Abhishek Raghuram

Abhishek Raghuram’s command of South Indian classical singing is worthy of an artist far beyond his years. He is descended from Carnatic musical royalty - his grandfather was mridangam legend Palghat Raghu, and his mother’s side of the family include members of the Lalgudi violin dynasty. He learned percussion in the family first, winning an All India Radio mridangam competition at the age of seven and sometimes accompanying top artists on the kanjira.

But he soon chose to prioritise vocal music, studying hard under PS Narayanaswamy. He debuted aged nine, and has since gone on to receive widespread acclaim for his mature and detailed approach to a range of classical forms. He has toured internationally, composed superb thillanas, and sung for film and ballet. He has a long and bright future ahead of him.

"This music is deeply entwined with the culture and tradition that we hail from. It is important that people remember that. It is only with these values and the awareness of the culture that the music will continue to thrive and evolve."