Future of Indian classical music: TM Krishna

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Silk Street
London, EC2Y 8DS United Kingdom
25 October 2025
12:00 pm
Darbar Festival 2025

A holistic journey of movement and melody.

Single Bill TM Krishna

A talk with one of Indian classical music’s most acclaimed vocalist, author and cultural critic for an exploration of Carnatic music’s evolution, challenges and possibilities in the 21st century.

Known for challenging the orthodoxies of South Indian classical tradition while deeply honouring its artistic essence, Krishna brings his penetrating insights to the crucial questions facing this ancient art form: how can Carnatic music expand beyond traditional boundaries while preserving its spiritual core? What social and cultural barriers must be dismantled for this music to truly flourish? How might new technologies and global influences reshape performance and transmission?

This extraordinary lecture demonstration combines Krishna’s incisive analysis with musical illustrations that reveal the living, breathing potential of Carnatic music in our rapidly changing world. Whether a seasoned rasika (Indian classical music aficionado) or new to South Indian classical music, this session promises to transform how you understand and experience this profound tradition.

The hour-long presentation concludes with a 30-minute audience Q&A; a rare chance for direct dialogue with one of the most important voices in contemporary Indian music

The hour talk follows a 30-minute Q&A with the audience.  

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Location
Within walking distance of a number of London Underground and Elizabeth Line stations, the closest being Barbican, St Paul’s, Farringdon and Moorgate

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public Transport
Barbican: 4 min walk; Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Circle lines
Moorgate: 7 min walk; Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Circle, Northern lines, Elizabeth Line (use the Moorgate exit for Liverpool St stop)
Farringdon: 8 min walk; Elizabeth line
St Paul’s: 11 min walk; Central line
The nearest tube station served by the Night Tube (Friday and Saturday) is St Paul’s on the Central line.

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Ranjani & Gayatri | In Conversation

Ranjani & Gayatri | In Conversation

At the Darbar Festival 2023 held at the iconic Barbican, the celebrated Carnatic vocal duo Ranjani and Gayatri presented a soul-stirring lecture demonstration titled Poetry of the Saints." With grace, reverence, and deep musical insight, the sisters delved into the spiritual and poetic essence that underpins Carnatic music, focusing on the revered saint-poets whose works continue to guide the tradition. They spoke in depth about Saint Tyagaraja, often considered one of the "Trinity of Carnatic Music" alongside Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri. Revered not only for his musical genius but also for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, Tyagaraja composed thousands of kritis that beautifully blend lyrical poetry with melodic intricacy and philosophical depth. The sisters shared how his life of simplicity and spiritual dedication serves as a model for generations of musicians. Alongside Tyagaraja, they highlighted the contributions of Purandara Dasa, hailed as the ‘father of Carnatic music,’ Annamacharya, known for his prolific Telugu compositions, and Mirabai, whose bhajans transcend regional boundaries. Through thoughtful narration and exquisite renditions, Ranjani and Gayatri brought the poetry of these saints vividly to life, reminding the audience how Carnatic music remains a living, breathing tradition — deeply devotional, richly poetic, and timeless in its appeal. Featuring: - Ranjani (Carnatic vocalist) - Gayatri (Carnatic vocalist)