Blackstone River Theatre and Raagmaala cordially invite you to an unprecedented Musical event “Three Generations” of violinists. The Concert will take place at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, RI on May 19, 2006 at 8 PM. The concert is partially funded by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and cosponsored by Kabob – n – Curry restaurant of RI.

This musical event will feature Dr. Mrs. N. Rajam, Daughter Dr. Mrs. Sangeeta Shankar and granddaughters Nandini and Ragini Shankar with master Tabla player Vinayak Netke. It is a great opportunity for music teachers, students and connoisseurs alike, to listen to a premier Indian Classical Violinist of great distinction.

Dr.Rajam’s family boasts of generations of talented violinists. Rajam incorporates vocal music and the ancient veena into her playing. Her yearning for self-development took her to the holy city of Benaras, on the banks of the River Ganges, where she embarked on a rigorous musical journey for fifteen years under the guidance of legendary singer Pundit Omkarnath Thakur of the renowned “Gwalior Musical Tradition”. As a devoted disciple, Dr.Rajam served out an invaluable apprenticeship, regularly accompanying her teacher on stage, echoing all of his subtle vocal nuances.  Her technique is the envy of violinists worldwide, and in India. She is regarded as a musicians’ musician. Her performances make a difficult task seem effortless. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Sanskrit, and a PhD in Music.



Hon'ble Justice B. N. Srikrishna puts it aptly in the following words: "Rajam is the link between divinity and reality in life."

“Rajam fine-tunes the violin to perfection of human voice.” Indian Express, 1998

The Indian government knighted her with civilian titles “Padmashree”, in 1984 and “Padmabhushan” in 2004.

Her daughter Dr. Sangeeta Shankar organized music festivals in Benaras, India In 1984 and 1986 and produced a 26-episode musical TV serial 'Swar-Sadhana'. Her recording company “Legendary Legacy” has made available recordings of the masters and the promising younger musicians in Indian classical music. 

Sangeeta recorded with Grammy winners Bela Fleck and Viswamohan Bhatt on a well-received album “Tabula Rasa”.  Also featuring on violin are Dr. Rajam’s grand daughters Ragini and Nandini.

Percussionist Vinayak Netke has recorded with India’s Bharat Ratna Mrs. Lata Mangeshkar. Vinayak has also performed with renowned late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Gazal singers Jagjeet Singh and Gulam Ali. He has performed with several eminent Indian musicians and dancers. He has received extensive training in Kathak dance, Sitar and vocalist Music. He plays Pakhawaj as well. Viayak is an exceptional musician.

General admission is $17. Students with ID pay $10. Tickets are available at Kabob –n- Curry restaurant on Thayer Street or at the venue. Get detailed information and direction from www.riverfolk.org / 401725-9272.

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