Reviews, features and media coverage of Sunaad.
Sunaad's work has been covered by journalists, music writers and audiences across India and internationally. Here is a selection of coverage and reviews.
On the face of it, a Dhrupad choir would seem to be a contradiction in terms. This ancient classical Indian genre is essentially a solo tradition. But Sunaad, a 30-strong ensemble based in Bangalore, shows us how Dhrupad can be imaginatively morphed into a new brand of eclectic collective performance… What comes over in Sunaad's performances is something profound and moving — which could not happen without their admirable dedication and manifold talents.
— David Clarke, Inside Indian Music, December 2018. David is a UK-based musician and musicologist who attended the Mandukya Sant Vani performance at the School of Ancient Wisdom, Bangalore.
Sunaad served as the presenting partner for the Dhrupad Utsav in Bangalore in November 2024 — the annual national tour organised by the Gundecha Gurukul celebrating the Dhrupad tradition. The Sunaad ensemble opened the event with an invocation at The Bangalore Room on 10 November 2024, followed by performances by Tanishka Shrivastav, Inoue Sou, and pakhawaj by Rajkumar Jha. Entry was free and open to all.
Source: Explocity Bangalore, November 2024.
Sunaad hosts the SaRe programme at the Bangalore International Centre — a performance series presenting young classical musicians in intimate, accessible concerts. The series has featured Dhrupad vocalist Janhavi Phansalkar (a student of the Gundecha Gurukul), tabla player Shashibhushan Gurjar, and pakhawaj player Anuja Borude. SaRe reflects Sunaad's commitment not just to performing but to nurturing the next generation of classical artists.
Source: Bangalore International Centre.
Tara Kini and members of Sunaad were featured at the Indica Yoga International Festival in a session titled Sunaad, Dhrupad and the Upanishads. The session described how, over ten years, Sunaad has been inspired and guided by Sri M to present the philosophy of three Upanishads through Dhrupad music — composed by the Gundecha Brothers — through storytelling, theatre and movement.
Source: Indica Yoga, July 2020.
Sunaad's unique and superb presentation of Swar Katha Upanishad — a very unique interpretation of the Katha Upanishad with Dhrupad music in a very contemporary style, with the recounting of the story and philosophy of life and death narrated by Yama to Nachiketa, interspaced with Dhrupad rendition of the shlokas by the singers.
— Audience member, Jagriti Theatre, Whitefield, Bangalore
Rumi's stories and insights of life brought down tears rolling down on my cheeks. The chants were so beautifully synched and sung that the sounds created vibrations and ripples in my body. The sounds transported me into the mystical realms of my mind.
— Audience member, School of Ancient Wisdom, Sadum
What appeals to many is true excellence in any field. The fact that a group of non-professional musicians could render a show like SKU that became 'popular' — as certified in sincerity by some of the musical greats who were there — is a discovery. Complete and focused engagement leads to the development of all that lies surging within each of us, waiting to be ignited.
— Tara Kini, reflecting on the Swar Katha Upanishad run
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