In a historical act of showcasing Malaysia’s multiculturalism, a group of five highly acclaimed Malaysian Carnatic music practitioners will be representing the nation in the International Isai Nadana Sangamam Dance and Carnatic Music Festival 2023 in Angkor Wat, Cambodia, from August 12–15, 2023. The festival is a collaboratively organised by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Cambodia, together with Angkor Tamizh Sangam Cambodia.
This initiative to send Malaysian Carnatic artists to this festival is supported by the government through the channels of the Malaysian Ministry of Communication and Digital, along with MyCreative Ventures, a government-led investment project aimed at developing Malaysian creative industries.
This initiative of the Malaysian government displaying support for the cultural arts of minorities in this nation abides by the principles of DAKEN 2021. The DAKEN scheme was introduced by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as a cultural policy that would establish a Malaysian cultural and artistic industry that would be instrumental in creating Keluarga Malaysia.
Image Source Thrive Talent Tank Facebook
The renowned talent organisation Thrive Talent Tank (3T), through Indian Classical Artiste Network, has selected exceptionally talented Malaysian Carnatic artists such as Dr. Sivabalan S. Shanmuga Sundram, Sujitra Jayaseelan, Tayanaa Logenthiran, Achyuthan Sashidaran Nair, and Thisheela Tharmalingam for this international festival. This talent organisation is a well-established association that is recognised as a Talent Exporter by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry Malaysia under MATRADE. They are also acknowledged as cultural arts entrepreneurs by the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), under the Hospices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia.
Dr. Sivabalan Shanmuga Sundram, Mridangist
Dr. Sivabalan is a passionate and highly acclaimed mridangist who is also the Managing Director of Thrive Talent Tank and a committee member of the Indian Classical Artiste Network. His exceptional devotion to classical music has just last year garnered him the prestigious award of Doctorate Of Fine Arts by the Universal Development Council (Government of Tamil Nadu, India).
Sujitra Jayaseelan, Carnatic vocalists
Sujitra Jayaseelan is not only a renowned and respected Carnatic vocalist with an illustrious career but also an ambitious woman who strives for community excellence. She has worked as a Programme Director at the Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family, and Development. Along with that, she is also the founder of SUGAM, which strives to provide affordable and quality education in the arts for young people.
Tayanaa Logenthiran, Carnatic vocalists
Tayanaa Logenthiran is a young and incredibly promising new voice in the world of Carnatic music. At such a young age, the passionate and dedicated singer has shown outstanding potential. She and her sister Veena just recently conducted their debut performance, which was helmed by Sugam Karnatica.
Achyuthan Sashidaran Nair, Carnatic Violinist
Achyuthan Sashidaran Nair is an incredibly dedicated and stunning performer. His mesmerising way with the violin has always left the audience in a spellbinding trance. He has performed across many stages and is a well-refined artist in the world of Carnatic music.
Thisheela Tharmalingam, Ghatam Artist
Image Source Nityataa 2021 Bravography StudioThisheela is an extraordinarily inspiring woman who will be performing the Ghatam at this upcoming festival. She has also made history by being the first Malaysian woman to complete her Mridangam Arangetram. The multitalented musician is also well trained in playing the Ganjira and Dhol and has many years of professional performance experience in both India and Malaysia.
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