Jayanthi Kumaresh

Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh is an internationally acclaimed Carnatic veena virtuoso, composer, researcher, and educator, widely regarded as a torchbearer of the Saraswati veena. Born in Bengaluru in 1969 into a sixth-generation family of musicians, she began her formal musical training at the age of three under her mother, Vidushi Lalgudi R. Rajalakshmi. At thirteen, she entered the gurukul of her aunt, Vidushi Padmavathy Ananthagopalan, where she trained intensively for twenty-two years, later refining her artistry under the legendary veena virtuoso Dr. S. Balachander. Additional guidance from Lalgudi Jayaraman, T. Brinda, T. R. Subramaniam, and Thanjavur Shankara Iyer further shaped her musical depth.

Dr. Kumaresh holds a postgraduate degree in English literature and earned her doctorate from the University of Mysore for her scholarly research on the styles and playing techniques of the Saraswati veena. Her academic work examines historical traditions, classical treatises, and modern developments, and parts of her research have been published in peer-reviewed journals. She regularly presents lecture-demonstrations, workshops, and TEDx talks worldwide and collaborates with institutions such as SPIC MACAY and India’s Ministry of Culture.

As a performer, she has appeared at premier venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, Théâtre de la Ville, Kennedy Center, and Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, and at festivals such as BBC Proms, Celtic Connections, WOMADelaide, Darbar Festival, and Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav. Her collaborative work spans Carnatic–Hindustani jugalbandis, orchestral projects, and cross-genre productions, including the acclaimed trio Triveni with Kala Ramnath and Ustad Zakir Hussain. She is the founder of the Indian National Orchestra, India’s first large-scale ensemble uniting Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.

Dr. Kumaresh has an extensive discography across leading labels and is widely recognised for path-breaking concepts such as 45 Ragas, Story in Concert, and Mysterious Duality. Her digital initiative Cup O’ Carnatic has reached millions globally, demystifying Carnatic music for new audiences. Honoured with numerous national and international awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, she remains a defining force in preserving, expanding, and globally presenting the voice of the Saraswati veena.