Raghavendran Rajasekaran

Raghavendran Rajasekaran

Raghavendran during a performance in Esplanade in 2010
Background information
Also known as Ragha
Born (1988-05-06) 6 May 1988
Singapore
Origin India
Genres Carnatic, jazz, pop
Occupation(s) Flautist
Instruments Indian flute, bansuri, guitar
Years active 2006–present
Labels TisraRoopaSangeeth, Tigaia, Gammarays – Gamelan

Raghavendran Rajasekaran Tamil: ராகவேந்திரன் ராஜசேகரன் Devanagari Script: राघवेन्द्रन राजशेखरन  listen , popularly known as Ragha, is a classical flautist based in Singapore. Though trained in the traditional Indian baani, he is an avid western performer and loves to experiment with different genres of music.

Early life

Born in Singapore to a musically inclined couple on 6 May 1988, Ragha is the son of Smt. Nalini Rajasekaran and Sri Rajasekaran. He has two siblings, an elder brother, Mr.Jeevagajendran Rajasekaran and a younger sister, Ms. R. Nithiya Saraswathi. He graduated in Music from Lasalle College of Arts and Music, Singapore, with a major in Jazz Music trained under a well respected jazz virtuoso O'Dwyer.[1][2]

Learning flute

Listening to his father's singing from young, Ragha began to develop a deep interest in Music. Seeing his mother playing the Veena, the young musician used to accompany her and try his hand on it. Realizing his interest towards music, his parents began searching a guru for him. At the age of 11, Ragha started his musical journey with the classical Indian Flute under the tutelage of Mr. Ghanavenothan Rethnam, who is his guru till date.[3] He also had special training from Trichy L. Saravanan and Pt. Ronu Majumdar with a scholarship from National Arts Council Singapore.

Performances and accolades

Ragha has given performances in art festivals held in Singapore's Signature Parade, the Chingay, Short and Sweet festival, Pesta Raya, Kala Utsav, Fusion Beats, OCBC theatre festival, Heritage Festival, LoudFest, World Beats Festival, Mosaic, FlipSide Festival, Gilles Peterson's World Wide Festival, World Beats(Republic Poly), LoudFest as well as the internationally acclaimed St.Patrick's Day event and World Folk Song Festival 2008(Beijing), Yogyakarta Gamelan Festival 2008(Indonesia).[1]

Felicated by Mr.Hri Kumar Nair for winning National Indian Music Competition 2011

He has recorded and performed with Singapore's World Renowned percussion outfit Wicked Aura's Debut album (Louder than Light), Gammarays' Debut Album(On the Dance Floor), Johor Bahru's band Manmatha's Second Album,PaperCitizens' (Monster's in Silence) and RUDRA.

Some of his accomplishments are:

Apart from these, he often gives free performances of his various compositions in Esplanade Concourse, Singapore.

In July 2013, he was chosen as an inspirational youth of Singapore and an interview featuring him was telecast in Vasantham television in Paadangal program.[7]

Bands and music affiliations

Ragha, a budding musician of ace quality, has an undying spirit in experimenting and creating splendid music.

Personal life

Apart from being a musician, Ragha has served in the Singapore Police Force as Special Constable Sergeant during his National Service.[9] During his School days, he was a soccer player. He has won many accolades in running, showing his skills as a good athlete.

He likes to play guitar. He is an avid composer and has scored music for several dance recitals and dramas. Some of his popular compositions include Karna Ranjani, Charukesi and Saraswathi set in tune to respective ragas. Currently he is pursuing his degree in Music from Lasalle College of Arts and Music.

He is a recognised flautist in Singapore and has accompanied[10] several musicians in recitals and concerts.[3]

He also instructs several students in Singapore and Johor Bahru. He is a devout Hindu and has performed in several temple functions in Singapore and abroad. Apart from musical interests, he has a good set of culinary skills. His specialities include Tofu Sambal and Biryani.

References

External links

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