The Carnatic Vocalist, Verjashri Venugopal recently wrapped a French tour, where he performed in some of the most famous music festivals in the country in collaboration with EEM Trio – A French Jazz Group, which featured Ellie Duffor, Mark Mitchell and Yan Fopat.
This summer tour marked another milestone for long cooperation with the EM of Varshri, which is in search of new music fields, a combination of Jazz and Indian classical music.
The singer credited his parents for the initial beginning in music. Photo Credit: Sudhakar Jain
“France has a great audience for Jazz and world music, and we enjoyed playing in various places,” Varijashree says. “Our music is a mixture of jazz composical elements and Indian singing. With EIM, I myself am searching for relations between raga and jazz cohesion with interesting structural structures.”
What started as an unexpected invitation turned into a strong music bond. “Trio reached me six years ago to fill for a singer six years ago. I still remember our first concert in Vienna in 2019. Our connection was immediate and we have continued to perform together. Our cooperation also led our album. BangaloreWas released in 2023. ,
Eym Trio and Varijashree share a mutual praise for each other’s work. “We detect each other styles, find a meeting point and allow space for personal expression.” She says, “As a student of Karnataka music, I have always been fascinated by Western harmony. For Jazz musicians, provides something new and exciting to find Indian ragas. Learning from each other in this journey has been fundamental.
Lyon opera experience
The Lyon was performing a major attraction of his visit to the residents of the city at the Leon outdoor opera (peristyl) cuisted by the Opera House. He said, “Lyon’s heart in front of the Opera House, playing in a half-half, half-outdoor settings, added a vibrant energy to the experience,” she shared. Varajshree says, “The city’s stir and bustle pair a spark in the vibe. We played two sets for two consecutive nights.” “This gave us the opportunity to do most of our songs, including new ones that may soon be part of a new album.”
After performing in France several times in the last few years, Varijashri says, “People always open and appreciate. Their response is proud to represent the rich tradition of Indian music and take it wherever I go.”
Varijashree is fascinated by western harmony. Photo Credit: Emmanuel Nemos
Varijashree was also a part of MahabharataA project by Ricardo Nova in Italy. It mixes European contemporary classical production rhythm, Sanskrit songs and storytelling. “Working with EEM trio opened new ways of music construction for me, and it reflects in projects Mahabharata“She says.” Every project has its own feeling. Walking between them takes focus and emotional participation. But being part of such a different world has helped me develop into an artist, ”she says.
Musical routes
Varijshree’s global experiences are the expansion of its music grounding. Bangalore-based flotist HS Venugopal and daughter of Karnataka singer Ram Venugopal, Varjashree credited their parents for early initiation in music. “Music was always part of our house. I used to expose it continuously, either by attending the concert or simply sitting with my father’s lessons.”
He took his formal training under his parents, and later, H. Trained under Geeta and Salem beauty. From Hindustani and Light Classical to Sugama music, devotional songs, ghazals and fusion Varizashree – he was made aware of all forms of music.
“As a child, I used to note everything I heard using Indian sign, always tried to include those elements in my singing. I still do so,” she says. “Most of my compositions are now voice-trimental, tune without songs. Indian Sargam (seven notes) remain my anchor.”
For Varijashree, music has always been about emotional manifestations. While technology is important, she believes, it is a feeling that gender. “Everything I make should give rise to that emotional effect and the story that the artist wants to tell. The magical moment for me is when artists and viewers connect. I try to find out with my music and voice that there is beyond styles and cultures. This is an expression that I am.”
Published – July 23, 2025 04:39 pm IST
