Shri Saumya Varanasi | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Hyderabad-based singer, lyricist and composer Sri Soumya Varanasi conducted workshops on classical music in unusual venues, seeing it as an opportunity to present different dimensions of music to new audiences. Soumya, who performs classical music with a contemporary touch, had a busy month: conducting a music workshop for Soumya’s M&Ms (Music & Mind Series) at The Moonshine Project in Jubilee Hills (September 21), and presenting the second episode of The Kachri Project by Soumya at The Stage in District 150, Madhapur (September 29).
Connection to music
Saumya with her team of singers | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Soumya was 12 when she felt a connection to music. Over time, this ‘small idea’ inspired her to learn and contribute to the art. Even while singing the same song at different concerts, she would reflect on its rendition and wonder what new perspective she could add to it. Having been formally trained in Carnatic music in her childhood, the musician also ventured into light music, Western and Hindustani music, and film songs.
Looking at music as an entity that she does not want to attach any tags or labels to, she has learnt to take the positives from different genres and bring out the best in her performances. “I have been fortunate that all my gurus have looked at music from this perspective,” says Soumya, who is currently a disciple of eminent musician Bombay Jayashree.
Opening of the music school
During a concert | Photo credit: special arrangement
The versatile musician-guru who founded Dhruvam, a music school, in 2016, was pleasantly surprised to find that children grasp music in the first session itself and take to it once they form a bond with it. “From feeling bored to asking questions like ‘are these two songs the same’ Ragam?‘ triggered a thought process within me,” she recalls. It was an inspiration for her to do more than just teaching. “Maybe it can inspire someone who has a different opinion about not just Carnatic music, but Indian classical music, because I personally have benefited a lot from it.”
Innovative approach Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
With the launch of a thematic concept Dhruvam in 2019, he collaborated with various musicians to perform classical music with a touch of fusion and also does harmony and acapella with his students.
Assisted music composer M.M. Keeravani (in) Bahubali And RRR) and for background music in some films with SS Thaman where traditional music is involved – like ‘Maguva Maguva’ Advocate Saab – People request her to sing some film songs during concerts. “I tell them, ‘I am not against film songs. I will do something else, listen and give me feedback,'” recalls Saumya, who sang the ghazal ‘Aaj jaane ki’. Don’t be stubborn’ during a music concert.
Fusion functions
Saumya Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Some of his thematic fusion acts include the work ‘Bho Shambo, Shiva Shambo’ Jugalbandi With percussionist Pawan Kumarand Ramakrishna, as well as the traditional Stotram’‘Aigiri Nandini’ is being presented with some English lyrics on tunes and women empowerment.
Over time, Soumya gradually gave shape to her idea and received encouragement from Hemendra Reddy, one of the founders of The Moonshine Project. Calling herself Soma, she designed Somafia (‘phia’ means female saint in Greek), a 12-member thematic concert to be held at Exit by Moonshine in 2023.
The Somafia concert depicted the stages of a woman’s life through various musical compositions. The concert concluded with the song ‘Aigiri Nandini’, which urged the audience to listen to their inner voice. “We may be surrounded by 100 different thoughts, but we have to give space to the one voice that speaks from within us.”
Saumya admits that some people question or don’t like the way she presents classical music with fusion. This also makes her doubt herself, especially when she gets critical or unhealthy feedback. “I ask myself if I am doing this for joy or for some worldly purpose, to teach the next generation.”
Evolution for Adaptation
Keeping pace with changing times | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
To keep up with changing times, she tries to understand her eight-year-old son’s understanding. “I try to understand his language and thought process to know what today’s children are thinking. It is inspiring. In music, my principle is to go deep into any composition, without affecting its essence.” While making changes to compositions, she goes by her instincts to check if she has enhanced the important elements of the composition. “It is not easy. I check if I can add something valuable, otherwise I present it the way I can.”
In November, she is set to give a lecture at Annapurna Film Media School on how music adds value to films and there will also be a Carnatic concert at Saptaparni. She hopes to perform at more places, and says, “I want to work on how Indian classical music can be taken to the next generation. If someone wants to be a part of my concerts, I want to make a small slot for them.”
Published – September 19, 2024 11:26 am IST
