Ranjani-Gayatri: Tyagaraja’s Path to Liberation Through Music
London, EC2Y 8DS United Kingdom
Experience the sublime artistry of Ranjani-Gayatri, India’s foremost Carnatic vocal duo, as they bring the transformative music of Saint Tyagaraja to the Barbican.
The second concert in Darbar’s ‘Liberators of Humanity’ series celebrates Tyagaraja (1767–1847), the composer-saint who renounced royal patronage and worldly wealth to live a life of complete devotion, composing over 700 kritis that remain the spiritual heart of South Indian classical music. His timeless message – that true richness lies not in what we accumulate but in how deeply we connect – speaks with striking urgency to our age of distraction and digital overwhelm.
Presented in the authentic Chennai-style kutcheri format, this uninterrupted 2.5-hour concert invites you into a meditative journey through Tyagaraja’s ‘jewels of the soul’. Ranjani-Gayatri, celebrated for their extraordinary vocal blend and profound interpretive depth, will guide you through ragas that unfold slowly and organically – music that demands not passive listening but genuine surrender to a different sense of time. In an era of fragmented attention and endless scrolling, this is an evening of radical presence: an invitation to dwell deeply in sacred sound.
Performance:
Ranjani Gayatri Sisters (Carnatic vocal)
Delhi Sairam (mridangam)
Vittal Rangan (violin)
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam)
Under 14s must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over
Artists
Instruments
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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)