Raghavendran Rajasekaran
Singaporean musician
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Biography
Raghavendran Rajasekaran Tamil: ராகவேந்திரன் ராஜசேகரன் Devanagari Script: राघवेन्द्रन राजशेखरन listen , popularly known as Ragha, is a classical flautist based in Singapore. Though trained in the traditional Indian baani, he is an avid western performer and loves to experiment with different genres of music.
Early life
Born in Singapore to a musically inclined couple on 6 May 1988, Ragha is the son of Smt. Nalini Rajasekaran and Sri Rajasekaran. He has two siblings, an elder brother, Mr.Jeevagajendran Rajasekaran and a younger sister, Ms. R. Nithiya Saraswathi. He graduated in Music from Lasalle College of Arts and Music, Singapore, with a major in Jazz Music trained under a well respected jazz virtuoso O'Dwyer.
Learning flute
Listening to his father's singing from young, Ragha began to develop a deep interest in Music. Seeing his mother playing the Veena, the young musician used to accompany her and try his hand on it. Realizing his interest towards music, his parents began searching a guru for him. At the age of 11, Ragha started his musical journey with the classical Indian Flute under the tutelage of Mr. Ghanavenothan Rethnam, who is his guru till date. He also had special training from Trichy L. Saravanan and Pt. Ronu Majumdar with a scholarship from National Arts Council Singapore.
Performances and accolades
Ragha has given performances in art festivals held in Singapore's Signature Parade, the Chingay, Short and Sweet festival, Pesta Raya, Kala Utsav, Fusion Beats, OCBC theatre festival, Heritage Festival, LoudFest, World Beats Festival, Mosaic, FlipSide Festival, Gilles Peterson's World Wide Festival, World Beats(Republic Poly), LoudFest as well as the internationally acclaimed St.Patrick's Day event and World Folk Song Festival 2008(Beijing), Yogyakarta Gamelan Festival 2008(Indonesia).
Felicated by Mr.Hri Kumar Nair for winning National Indian Music Competition 2011
He has recorded and performed with Singapore's World Renowned percussion outfit Wicked Aura's Debut album (Louder than Light), Gammarays' Debut Album(On the Dance Floor), Johor Bahru's band Manmatha's Second Album,PaperCitizens' (Monster's in Silence) and RUDRA.
Some of his accomplishments are:
- Awarded “Bright Young things” in a selection of 10 out of 50 participants by the Esplanade Singapore 2010.
- With his participation, the ensemble (Swathi) clinched the 2nd Runner's Up Award at the Singapore National Indian Music Competition 2006.
- Winner of the Open Flute Category of the National Indian Music Competition 2011 organised by the Singapore National Arts Council.
- Represented Singapore in the Asean Youth Camp 2007.
- Received a grant of 1500 SGD from Singapore National Arts Council for Arts Professional Development.
- Received a grant of 6000 SGD from Singapore National Arts Council as part of Presentation and Promotion Grant.
- Received a grant of 1500 SGD from Singapore National Arts Council as part of Arts Professional Development Grant to learn flute from Sri.Ravichandra Kulur in India in March 2013.
Apart from these, he often gives free performances of his various compositions in Esplanade Concourse, Singapore.
In July 2013, he was chosen as an inspirational youth of Singapore and an interview featuring him was telecast in Vasantham television in Paadangal program.
Bands and music affiliations
Ragha, a budding musician of ace quality, has an undying spirit in experimenting and creating splendid music.
- Ragha is actively engaged in Swathi, the Nrityalaya Art Academy’s youth classical ensemble.
- He is a part of Gammarays, the contemporary ensemble formed by Gamelan Asmaradana which focuses on genres like Jazz, Rock and Pop.
- Tigaia, A Malay word for "three races", is a world music ensemble formed by him along with his friends Ms.Serene Tan and Mr. Joseph Chian focusing on the Arts Education and Enrichment. They often give free performances to a full-packed audience, at Esplanande Concourse, Singapore. He has also composed a modern piece called Song of Gendèr for the same.
- TisraRoopaSangeeth is an Indian Classical Trio based on modern thematic original Compositions and interpretations, performing both in Singapore and Abroad. It is the brain child of Ragha, along with Mr. Kumaran in percussion and Mr. Narayanan in Violin.
Personal life
Apart from being a musician, Ragha has served in the Singapore Police Force as Special Constable Sergeant during his National Service. During his School days, he was a soccer player. He has won many accolades in running, showing his skills as a good athlete.
He likes to play guitar. He is an avid composer and has scored music for several dance recitals and dramas. Some of his popular compositions include Karna Ranjani, Charukesi and Saraswathi set in tune to respective ragas. Currently he is pursuing his degree in Music from Lasalle College of Arts and Music.
He is a recognised flautist in Singapore and has accompanied several musicians in recitals and concerts.
He also instructs several students in Singapore and Johor Bahru. He is a devout Hindu and has performed in several temple functions in Singapore and abroad. Apart from musical interests, he has a good set of culinary skills. His specialities include Tofu Sambal and Biryani.