A note from the artistic director and producer, Malathi Iyengar

I come from a family of artists and musicians. My parents Sharada and Venkata Chalan were actively involved in not only pursuing their own training in vocal music and the violin, but also engaged in organizing music concerts, spiritual discourses called Harikathas and Gamaka Rupakas for Rama Navami Festival and other community events in a small village called Soladevanahalli (near Hesaraghatta) in Bengaluru, India. They conceived and conducted two week-long concerts and festivals with the help of community organizations and a few members who had similar passion for classical art forms. My father was also the Secretary of the hosting organization for several years and was responsible for all aspects of planning the events. They continued the tradition for almost 20 years between 1955 – 1975. As children, my brother Sudarshan and I immersed ourselves in these festivities. Thus, the seeds were sown for nurturing our art and rich cultural heritage.

For the past four decades, I have spent considerable amount of time learning, performing, recording, and working with some of the best musicians in the industry both in India and in Los Angeles. I cherish the numerous hours spent in the recording studios and on stage with the artists.

I am happy to share some of these songs with you.

Thank you.

Malathi Iyengar