YUGMA: Harmonious fusion of cultures by Ganesh Rajagopalan, Christophe Chagnard, and the Northwest Sinfonietta

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Indian classical violin maestro Ganesh Rajagopalan joins forces with Grammy-nominated conductor Christophe Chagnard and the Northwest Sinfonietta to present “YUGMA,” a collaboration that marries Indian classical music with Western symphony.

Rajagopalan is known for his innovative compositions, and has gained international acclaim as a soloist and composer, He has collaborated with luminaries such as tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and jazz icon John McLaughlin, pushing the boundaries of Carnatic music into new and exciting territories.

His latest venture, “YUGMA,” sees Rajagopalan teaming up with Chagnard and the Northwest Sinfonietta to present a reimagined rendition of the classic raga “Hamsadwani Ragapravaham.” Recorded at Lagerquist Concert Hall in Tacoma, Washington’s Mary Baker Russell Music Center, the piece showcases Rajagopalan’s original composition alongside the lush orchestral arrangements of Chagnard.

The name “YUGMA,” derived from Sanskrit, meaning “confluence,” and speaking about the inspiration behind the collaboration, Rajagopalan says, “Playing with a string orchestra has always been my dream. ‘Hamsadwani Ragapravaham’ seemed perfect for such an arrangement, and during the pandemic, I realized it was the perfect time to bring this vision to life.”

“I’ve always loved Indian music, so this was an opportunity to find a way to bring together two styles that are fundamentally different in approach and tradition,” Chagnard explains. “The result is a captivating fusion that celebrates the beauty of both traditions.”

The Northwest Sinfonietta with its roster of 35 talented musicians, combines the intimacy of chamber music with the power of a full symphony orchestra.

For Rajagopalan, Chagnard, and the Northwest Sinfonietta, “YUGMA” is more than just a musical project—it’s a celebration of cultural exchange, artistic creativity, and the universal language of music, the press release said.