The Indian classical music institution, Amrithavarshini Belgie, founded by eminent Carnatic vocalist Uma Ramakrishnan, hosted a remarkable evening of music titled ‘Strings of Spring’ at Nova Kerklaan 19, Machelen, Belgium. Supported by the Indian Embassy in Brussels, the event brought together string instruments from diverse musical traditions—Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western—on a single platform, much to the delight of the audience.

Amrithavarshini Belgie, based in Belgium, has been instrumental in spreading the art of Indian classical music across Europe, with students from Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. The institution, affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University, Chennai, follows the guru-shishya parampara and also publishes a newsletter, Aurora, launched in 2024.

The evening commenced with a soulful Chitraveena recital by Vidwan P. Ganesh, who presented the challenging Swarajathi in raga Yadukulakamboji, composed by Syama Sastri. The performance captivated the audience with its precision and depth.

The Iguaran Quartet—featuring Elizabeth Agudelo (Colombia) on Violin I, Clara Larrauri Alto on Violin II, Paula Cirmi (Argentina) on Viola, and Anna Maria Velasco (Spain) on Cello—delivered mesmerising interpretations of Latin American and Spanish classics, including Suite Colombiana No. 2 and La Vieja.

Y.G. Srilatha Nikshith (Saraswati Veena) and Puttur Nikshith (Mridangam) followed with a stirring rendition of Siva Siva Siva yenarada in raga Kamavardhini by Tyagaraja. Their seamless alapana, tanam, and swaraprastaram were met with resounding applause.

Stijn Denys from the Aranis chamber music group showcased his mastery with an evocative guitar set, featuring works by José Luís Merlín, Roland Dyens, Armand Coeck, and his own composition Abajo de mi Tierra.

Jyotsna Srikanth, celebrated for her command over both Carnatic and Western violin, presented Brova bharama in raga Bahudari and later collaborated with the Iguaran Quartet for her original compositions inspired by the spring and monsoon seasons.

The evening culminated in a grand Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi set in raga Keeravani and Adi tala, composed by P. Ganesh and performed by an ensemble of distinguished artists. The segment, featuring Chitraveena, Saraswati veena, violin, mridangam, tabla (Heiko Dijker), and bendir (Carlo Strazzante), received a standing ovation for its vibrant percussion solos and artistic synergy.

Curated by Dr Uma Ramakrishnan, Strings of Spring was not merely a concert but a harmonious confluence of musical cultures, demonstrating Amrithavarshini’s commitment to nurturing global appreciation for the classical arts.