Sruti Foundation to launch late C Ramakrishnan's book at Music Academy in Chennai

The Sruti Foundation will posthumously launch "Musicians of Kerala," a book written by the late music writer C Ramakrishnan, at the Music Academy Mini Hall in Chennai on July 17 at 6 p.m. The publication fulfills the unfinished dream of the late author, who passed away after completing his manuscript but before it could be printed.

The book preserves a documented history of forgotten Carnatic musicians in Kerala, serving as a tribute to Ramakrishnan’s lifelong scholarship and commitment to the performing arts. According to Sukanya Sruthi, a trustee of The Sruti Foundation, the publisher felt it was important that this dedicated work reached the music community and stood as a lasting tribute to his long association with Sruti.

The volume brings together carefully researched profiles of musicians across multiple generations. It highlights the contributions of teachers, composers, and instrumentalists who worked to pass on traditions across generations, but whose efforts have otherwise remained undocumented or underappreciated next to widely celebrated performers.

To complement the spirit of the book, the launch event will feature a concert titled "Keraleeyam." The concert will showcase compositions from various composers of Kerala, spanning from 19th-century royal courts to modern stalwarts. Sukanya Sruthi noted that the performance aims to bring alive the distinctive melodic imagination, lyrical depth, and enduring bhava of these composers.

Vocalist KS Vishnudev will present the concert. He will be accompanied by HN Bhaskar on the violin, NC Bharadwaj on the mridangam, and Chandrasekara Sharma on the ghatam.

"Sangita Kalanidhi" TV Gopalakrishnan will grace the event as the chief guest. S Janaki, the former editor-in-chief of Sruti Magazine, will receive the first copy of the book.

The event is open to the public, and the book "Musicians of Kerala" will be available for Rs 300.