The Egg Presents: Ravi Shankar Ensemble // Lavanya Raghuraman

Opening performance by Lavanya Raghuraman (Capital District)

Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, the Ravi Shankar Ensemble is a multi-generational collective of world-class musicians dedicated to the masterful compositions and enduring legacy of the uniquely legendary musician, Ravi Shankar. In their debut tour, the ensemble presents a special program featuring visual elements from the Ravi Shankar archives alongside a dynamic selection of Shankar’s music.

• Shubhendra Rao – sitar and ensemble leader
• Aayush Mohan – sarod
• Ravichandra Kulur – flute
• Padma Shankar – violin and vocals
• Anubrata Chatterjee – tabla
• B. C. Manjunath – mridangam

In a career that spanned decades and continents, Maestro Ravi Shankar had an indelible imprint on global music history and culture. A virtuosic Indian musician and composer known for his mastery of the sitar, Shankar was a leading global figure of the 20th century and a major figure in the Hindustani music tradition, reshaping the centuries-old form into what is now recognized today and introducing Western audiences to the classical tradition of Indian ragas. He popularized Indian classical music globally through his teaching, performances, and collaborations with Western musicians like Yehudi Menuhin, Philip Glass, and George Harrison. His compositions for sitar and orchestra bridged the gap between Eastern and Western music. Shankar received the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian honor), France’s Legion d’Honneur, a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth, eighteen honorary doctorates, and five Grammy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lavanya Raghuraman is an accomplished performer, highly regarded teacher, and scholarly choreographer. She proudly inherits the musical legacy of her maternal grandfather, Dr. S. Ramanathan, and is a senior disciple of The Dhananjayans (torchbearers of the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam). Upholding her family’s artistic tradition, Lavanya is an exponent of Bharatanatyam and also an accomplished Carnatic vocalist and violinist.

She has performed extensively worldwide and is a regular presence during Chennai’s December music and dance season. Lavanya has served as adjunct faculty at select universities in the United States and has guided numerous students to their Arangetram over the past decade. Her students have excelled in national and international competitions, including the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana and events organized by the National Arts Council, Singapore. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to elevate her students’ performances, Lavanya is a sought-after teacher and mentor.

A qualified strategy consultant with a Master’s degree from Duke University, Lavanya has chosen to dedicate herself fully to her artistic heritage. She is an active member of the Capital District’s arts community and is the founder of the US chapter of Alapana Arts, where she offers in-person and virtual instruction in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic vocal, and violin.