MEET OUR ARTIST: SRIRAM
SRIRAM SHRIANANDA
Mridangam player
"I'm very grateful for the ... work
zerOclassikal does to promote
Indian classical music in the UK."
Sriram is a talented player of the Mridangam who has previously performed with zerOclassikal as part of our monthly Back to the Lounge sessions.
Sriram learnt the Mridangam under the tutelage of Shri P Kirupakaran and performed his Mridangam arangetram in January 2011 at the age of 13. Following his arangetram, Sriram has accompanied many young artists in the UK at their vocal, Veena and Bharatanatyam arangetrams and participated in a variety of Carnatic concerts. Sriram is also a Carnatic Mandolin player and has been playing this instrument for the last 9 years, having been inspired by the late legend, Mandolin U Srinivas. More recently, Sriram has performed at the prestigious Darbar Festival.
Learn more about his artistic journey in his own words…
What drew you to the mridangam?
I come from a musical family with my Mum being a Carnatic Vocal and Veena teacher so music has always been a part of my life. I was attracted to the majestic sound and intricate patterns of the mridangam. For me it was always a key part of the concert and often I will go to a concert to listen to the mridangam.
What inspires you as an artist?
Listening to good music and learning from the greats really inspires me to keep consistent and practise. The level the great maestros have reached can sometimes be quite intimidating but I find it very inspiring. I hope to keep learning and practising, to perform on a regular basis and gain new skills and experiences.
How has your journey been with zerOclassikal?
I have had a great time with zerOclassikal and have performed with them on a number of occasions. I'm very grateful for the opportunities and the work zerOclassikal does to promote Indian classical music in the UK.