Dr. Trichy Sankaran: Carnatic Beats Unwrapped

Sankaran is one of the leading exponents of the mridangam – an Indian percussive instrument of ancient origin that acts as the primary rhythmic accompaniment to Carnatic music. For this demonstration he will enlighten us on the foundations of the Carnatic tradition, specifically looking at the unification of ‘tala, laya and rhythm’ and displaying how ‘layam (rhythm) is the bedrock of the whole concept of time’.

For his immense contribution to Carnatic music he has been awarded many of India’s most prestigious awards including the Sangeet Natak Academy and the Sangita Kalanidhi. During his lecture will be supported by Giridhar Udupa playing the Ghatam – a large, narrow-mouthed earthenware water pot used as a percussion instrument in south Indian music.