About Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan and Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts HISTORY AND ROOTS - INDIA Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira, a school dedicated to the lifelong learning of music, was founded in Bangalore, India in 1955 by the Late Sri. G. Vedanta Iyengar, an educationist of the highest repute. Sri. Vedanta Iyengar s mission was to promote the fine art of Carnatic or South Indian Classical Music in Karnataka, South India by giving aspiring musicians an opportunity to learn Carnatic music in its purest and most authentic form. Sri. Vedanta Iyengar was awarded a Public Service Medal from the Maharajah of Mysore, His Holiness Sri. Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar in recognition of his selfless contributions to his community and for public services in several aspects of education. His daughters, G. V. Ranganayakamma and G. V. Neela further embraced their father s mission and grew Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira to a greatly respected music institution. Today, Sri G Vedanta Iyengar s youngest son, G. V. Krishnaprasad is continuing to uphold their joint mission and this inspirational school. Over a period of 54 years, the school has hosted over 800 concerts, taught innumerable students, delivered lecture demonstration and workshops, and participated in a number of volunteer and community enrichment based activities all of which have resulted in Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira being considered the finest Carnatic music school in Bangalore, India. THE LINEAGE NEW ROOTS IN CALIFORNIA Meanwhile Sri GV Iyengar s grand-daughter Jayashree Varadarajan had journeyed to the United States but had not forgotten her grandfather s dream, her aunt s selfless service or her own parents guidance. 1
In 1983, in Sunnyvale, California, USA, Varadarajan breathed new life into her family legacy and her ancestors dreams. Despite her education background in the sciences and numerous research career opportunities, she decided to devote her life to service through music. Varadarajan established Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts, a United States affiliate of her ancestral school in India. Varadarajan s school s mission is to enrich lives by imparting thorough knowledge of South Indian Carnatic classical music to all students regardless of their background. The school strives to create individuals who are aware, competent, inquisitive, knowledgeable and appreciative of Carnatic music. THE FOUNDER-DIRECTOR A BAY AREA ICON & ROLE MODEL OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS Varadarajan s strong, agile, penetratingly pure voice is harnessed to a vivid, extroverted singing style, daring in improvisations and fervid in its communication of devotional texts. - San Francisco Chronicle As the founder and director of this premier educational institution, Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan oversees the teaching and the operation of Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts. Varadarajan is known amongst the music community as an eminent vocalist, composer, and most importantly, a dedicated and knowledgeable teacher who has become a recognized and sought after Bay Area icon in musicianship and music education. Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan started her initial training in Carnatic vocal music from her mother, Smt. Ramamani Iyengar, at the tender age of five. She then came under the expert tutelage of her maternal aunt Ganasaraswathi, Karnataka Kalashri Smt. G.V. Ranganayakamma. Gifted with a melodious voice, Varadarajan s music is greatly appreciated for its beauty and technical perfection. Varadarajan has won numerous accolades 2
and prizes in music and dance competitions for her outstanding performances. She secured first rank in the proficiency examination held in 1977 by the government of Karnataka. Upon securing the First Prize in the Raga, Tana, and Pallavi singing competition held under the auspices of the Bangalore Gayana Samaja (1975), Varadarajan was awarded a tamboora from Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. In addition, Varadarajan has been awarded honors such as Sangeetha Vidushi, Sangeetha Kala Saraswathi, Sangeetha Kala Vibhooshini, and Shri Guru to name a few. She is also a recipient of the Artist s Fellowship Award from the California Arts Council for her excellence in music and was nominated for the Woman of Achievement Award for her contributions to the field of music 1996. A gifted composer, Varadarajan has set music many compositions including several of Purandara Dasa, released an audiocassette and a book titled, Purandara Pada Saurabha. She has also set original music to Syananduresvara, a rare and major poetic work by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, and has released an audiocassette titled Syananduresvara. Other audio programs by Varadarajan include Bhakthi Saurabha, Excerpts from the live concert- Bhajans, and a recent CD titled, Shiva Keshava Maha Yajna in benefit of the Shiva Vishnu Temple, Livermore, California. She has written two musical plays, Gagana Padma and Subhadrarjuna in Kannada. She has also published four volumes of the books Lessons in Vocal Music accompanied by audio programs for the benefit of all students of music in general and Carnatic music in particular. Varadarajan is well known in the Indian American community as a multitalented artist. She has written, directed, and produced many music, dance, and operatic productions all of which have drawn large audiences and garnered high praise from critics. Varadarajan also holds senior degrees in Bharatanatyam, veena, and Sanskrit as well as a diploma in Drama and Theater. Her works and projects mark major milestones in the cultural life of the Bay Area. Jayashree also holds a Master of Science degree in Botany from Mysore University and a Master of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. For over two decades, the Bay Area s population from 5 to 55 who have had the good fortune to learn music from Varadarajan, have expressed a remarkably consistent sentiment nowhere could they have found a better teacher of Carnatic or South Indian classical music. And by living the life of musical accomplishments, discipline, and commitment Varadarajan remains their musical muse. More than fifty years after the founding of Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira, Varadarajan carries on the rich tradition of her parent school in India in a foreign land. THE MISSION FROM MUSIC TO CARING CITIZENS Musically, the school s curriculum and instruction is unparalleled, focusing on uncompromising quality and accuracy of musical delivery. Emphasis is placed on the purity of the voice, diction, and fine quality of renditions. Annual music examinations are conducted over a two week period with comprehensive tests for junior and senior level students. Self research and study is directed for a selected group of advanced senior level students. Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir imparts Carnatic music in its purest form and strives to instill core values in its students. The school provides a rich fertile ground for raising future generations with the highest moral caliber through teaching and training students with a holistic approach combining music, culture and values. Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts operates every activity and effort under the following Mission Statement: 3
The mission of Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts is to enrich lives by imparting a thorough knowledge of Carnatic (South Indian Classical) Music to all students regardless of background. From its inception in 1983, Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir has provided the highest quality of music education through theory, practice and enrichment workshops within personalized class settings. Students are offered one-on-one attention from the teacher weekly as well as performance opportunities year-round. The school strives to create individuals who are aware, competent, inquisitive, knowledgeable, and appreciative of classical music. The multidimensional, holistic teaching of this ancient art form goes beyond mere singing to developing aware, caring, and disciplined citizens of the world. THE STUDENTS UNITY IN DIVERSITY Based in Sunnyvale, California, USA, the school has an extremely diverse student population. Students include Americans of Indian origin, Caucasians, and Indians from different parts of India and around the world. Students have ranged in age from four to fifty-five years old. There is typically a 100- person wait-list of eager to be students. In addition, alumni students who move away seek lessons from telephone or virtual lessons even from afar including from Malaysia, India, and Australia. Over the last quarter century, students of the school have regularly performed at major international events, festivals, fund raising events and community outreach programs. Each student, parent, and volunteer of Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts student is encouraged to inspire themselves and their community through the school s mission of service and self- development. Students who have reached a senior level of musical training where they are ready to spontaneously improvise aspects of musical delivery such as raga alapana exposition of raga and swara kalpana creating note passages etc., are given an opportunity for a 1.5 hour pre-debut performance accompanied by violin and mridangam, to hone their skills and get ready for the challenge of a fullscale 3-hour solo musical debut concert called an Arangetram which is presented to a knowledgeable audience including experienced performers, teachers, art connoisseurs and media critics. Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir has showcased over 60 individual solo performances all of which have received critical acclaim. THE VALUES BEYOND MUSICAL PERFECTION QUALITY & DISCIPLINE Students of Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir receive more than just music lessons. Through every class and lesson, they develop discipline, the value of consistent dedication and hard work, and moral and ethical values. As young children, group classes provide a fun atmosphere of stories combined with voice lessons and encourage students to develop a sense of teamwork and team encouragement. Woven into the stories are inspiring values of truth, integrity, and compassion. Between classes practice on your own helps the students widen their understanding of responsibility and accountability. Like any academic institution, there is a concept of discipline that pervades the whole program including individual classes, group classes, workshops and rehearsals alike. Punctuality is the key and absences and make-up lessons are regulated seriously. Weekly homework assignments are rigorous and demanding but always at the level appropriate for the student. In this fashion, an adult can be a 4
beginner and a twelve year old can be a senior student. Both are continuously motivated to reach for higher levels of accomplishments. Most musical performances are geared toward community service anywhere from fundraising for a personal belief and cause, a religious celebration, cultural events, or a festival. Each student is regularly challenged to present on their own and in group singing both in class and outside for the public, participate and perform as well as compete in music competitions conducted in and out of the Bay Area by various fine arts organizations. Regardless of age and proficiency level, students are provided opportunities to showcase their talents and hard work through single song performances all the way to full length concerts. Even elementary students have performed Carnatic Music at their regular academic schools to promote awareness of this rich tradition. All students and peers are encouraged to attend these school performances in addition to any other available music performances to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of music and performance. THE ANNUAL SCHOOL DAY NO STUDENT LEFT BEHIND Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir as an academic institution celebrates a School Day annually on the auspicious day of Vijayadashami. Here every student is given a chance to be on stage and perform a their level of learning. It follows a format of puja or worship of Saraswati followed by the performances of the students, introduction of new students, a new song composed and taught by the Teacher and a prize distribution ceremony. Annual Vijayadashami Celebrations All the students, new and old, from ages 4 to 50+ sing in what is described as the audiences as one of the cherished and treasured times of each year. The maturing of many young students and the spontaneous collaboration of the senior students is more and more evident every year. The prize distribution ceremony results in many beaming faces as students are recognized for their hard work and dedication. THE COMMUNITY SELFLESS CONTRIBUTION Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir as an institution has always believed in giving back to the community. The Founder s philosophy of selfless giving has led to the school and its participants actively 5
contributing to the fundraising efforts of several community organizations including missions and temples. Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan in a discourse-concert on Bhakti Sudha- San Jose, CA (May 10, 2009) Planet Prayers- Palo Alto, CA (March 03, 2007) Individual performances by Jayashree Varadarajan and several of the students have benefited spiritual and religious organizations such as the Shiva Vishnu Temple of Livermore, the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Sanmarga Iraivan Temple, Badarikashrama, Triyoga Center etc. to name a few. Some of the sold-out performances which benefited the community include: Keepers of the Flame for the benefit of Chinmaya Mission, San Jose, Planet Prayers for the Shiva Murugan temple in Concord, Discourse Concert Bhakti Sudha for Swara Lahari, the Music Wing of Yuva Bharati and many more. THE PRODUCTIONS GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATION Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts has a reputation for producing unique and innovative productions that are of outstanding musical quality. Whether in the quiet intimate setting of a temple, or in the grand operatic setting of a modern auditorium, the school s productions focus on 6
uncompromising quality and accuracy of musical delivery. Produced under the artistic leadership of Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan, these events win local, national and international acclaim. In 1987, Nada Yoga - meditation through musical sound and in 1988, Raga Rasa - various emotions expressed through music pioneered the approach, where Varadarajan s students presented Carnatic music in a choir format. This groundbreaking and dramatic adaptation of Carnatic music into a modern setting grew with every production. Each subsequent production has taken leaps and bounds in innovation while consistently maintaining the purity and authenticity of Carnatic music. These thematic performances have also immensely interested the greater western community in Carnatic music. In 1989, Music, a factor in world harmony, portrayed the unifying theme of harmony in diversity using the universal language music. In 1990 and 1991, the operatic productions of Syananduresvara and Prince of Ayodhya respectively received critical reviews and requests for repeat productions. In January 1993, Shiva Priya, an operatic rendering again featured breakthrough innovation with English subtitles a major step towards increasing audience rapport and appreciation. More recent productions include Meera, Forgive Me of Adi Sankara, and Yuva Pratibha and Bhajana Sandhya, all of which have broadened the horizons for both performers and listeners in both music and depth of inspirational content. Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir offers unique workshops and lecture demonstrations in the theory and practice of Indian classical Indian music. Workshop topics have ranged from teaching the history of music to improvisation in Carnatic music to select rare compositions of great composers. Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts sponsors Sri Rama Performing Arts, a non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting Indian Classical Carnatic music and contributing to the diverse cultural heritage of the United States of America. CONTINUING THE TRADITION OF HER LONG LINEAGE Vardarajan s daughter Rangashree Varadarajan, a musician in her own right, continues this tradition in both vocal (Smt. Jayashree Varadarajan, Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts) and violin (Lalgudi Smt. Srimati Brahmanandam and Smt. Anuradha Sridhar) music. Rangashree carries on this invaluable tradition with her undying passion, love, and participation in every aspect of the school s operations from concerts to workshops. In addition, Rangashree has taken her knowledge of music into her community. In 2006, Rangashree spearheaded a team project through the Davis Honors Challenge, UC Davis, to develop an after school music program for third grade students in and around the Sacramento, CA region. The program aimed to help develop a love and appreciation for music amongst this community. In addition, Rangashree has been actively involved in organizations such as Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY) throughout her college years and after. Most interestingly, Rangashree has incorporated her passions for music and science at Georgetown University, Lombardi Cancer Center where she prepared and executed a research study in music and chemotherapy as its Principal Investigator. 7
Rangashree continues to educate her community about Carnatic music via fusion music through active involvement in organizations like SAPAN (Washington, DC). Rangashree also performs for several organizations like The Fourth Stream Band (Washington, DC), SolSource LLC (Washington, DC), Tranquil Space Yoga Studio (Washington, DC), and SubContinental Drift (Washington, DC). 25 TH ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandir School of Fine Arts celebrates its 25 th year of service in teaching and propagating the rich cultural heritage of Carnatic music this year 2009. Two hundred forty students of the school are scheduled to perform and pay tribute to the art form of Carnatic music in a musical presentation entitled Kala vandana on Saturday, September 12 th at the Smithwick Theatre in Foothill College, Los Altos, California. For information, Please call: Viji Mani: 408-252-1369, Srividhya Srikanth: 408-732-4969, Ranjani Rallapalli: 408-655-6988 8