First Edition Arts

13/10/2025

Journalist, author and friend Sumana Ramanan releases her book, "The Secret Master - Arun Kashalkar and a Journey to the Edge of Music" today. A labour of love and about 10 years in the making, the book is a fascinating read about her guru, Pt. Arun Kashalkar, and a deep dive into the inner workings of the Indian Classical Music ecosystem and much more.
This is the first of five promos we created for the publicity of her book. This promo is an introduction to the author. The book is available in bookstores and online. Grab your copy soon.
Watch the promo here:

Journalist, author and friend Sumana Ramanan releases her book, "The Secret Master - Arun Kashalkar and a Journey to the Edge of Music" today. This is the fi...

16/06/2025

Here’s a link to a podcast by environmentalist/activist Warren Senders in conversation with FEA’s Devina Dutt, talking about the series curated and produced by First Edition Arts.

Changing the climate conversation in India! Episode 18 features passionate performances of Indian classical music in wild settings: rainforests, riverbanks,...

20/05/2025

Ee Mohamu, an evening of exquisite Padams and Javalis, spoke to all who had gathered at , an intimate heritage space in Bangalore. Students, rasikas, artists, scholars all experienced the sheer beauty and elegance of the forms presented by Leela Samson (Bharatanatyam) and Savita Narasimhan (Carnatic vocalist) along with KP Nandini (violin), Sujith S Naik (flute), and Mannarkoil J Balaji (mridangam).

It was a glimpse into the rich cultural history and nuances of a very specific but historically shy repertoire of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam.

The post performance discussion with the artistes and Bharatanatyam dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Carnatic vocalist Aishwarya Vidya Raghunath had audiences staying back for a deeper dive into a beautiful but disappearing tradition.

It was a full house and thanks to all who came.

Ee Mohamu is produced by Kishima Arts Foundation for their Indian Classical Music & Performing Arts Public Digital Archives project and supported by Kshirsagar Apte Foundation .

09/05/2025

EE Mohamu | An evening of exquisite Padams and Javalis

Leela Samson (Bharatanatyam) and Savita Narasimhan (Vocals) with KP Nandini (Violin), Sujith S Naik (Flute) and Mannarkoil J Balaji (Mridangam)

Padams and Javalis are rare gems in Carnatic sangeetham. Both in the world of sangeetham and Bharatanatyam they seem to be historically shy perhaps because they are a challenge to render requiring the kind of steadfast rigour that is given to few to pursue. The artists present a few gems from the tradition before you so that you too may relish what they love and wish to share.

The performance will be followed by a discussion between the artists and Bangalore based Bharatanatyam dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Carnatic vocalist Aishwarya Vidhya Raghunath.

Donor passes available at Skillbox. Limited seats. The link for passes is in bio.

Date: May 18
Time: 6.30 pm onwards
Venue: Sabha BLR
For queries, call 9820091771

Ee Mohamu is presented by Kishima Arts Foundation as part of their Public Digital Archives Project.

09/05/2025

In case you missed it:

EE Mohamu | An evening of exquisite Padams and Javalis.

Leela Samson (Bharatanatyam) and Savita Narasimhan (Vocals) with KP Nandini (Violin), Sujith S Naik (Flute) and Mannarkoil J Balaji (Mridangam).

Padams and Javalis are rare gems in Carnatic sangeetham. Both in the world of sangeetham and Bharatanatyam they seem to be historically shy perhaps because they are a challenge to render requiring the kind of steadfast rigour that is given to few to pursue. The artists present a few gems from the tradition before you so that you too may relish what they love and wish to share.

The performance will be followed by a discussion between the artists and Bangalore based Bharatanatyam dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Carnatic vocalist Aishwarya Vidhya Raghunath.

Donor passes available at Skillbox. Limited seats.

Date: May 18
Time: 6.30 pm onwards
Venue: Sabha BLR

For queries
Ee Mohamu is presented by Kishima Arts Foundation as part of their Public Digital Archives Project.

06/05/2025

Kishima Arts Foundation, our non-profit sister company presents "Ee Mohamu" a performance of exquisite Padams and Javalis by none other than the much-loved Bharatanatyam artiste Leela Samson in collaboration with Carnatic vocalist Savita Narasimhan. They will be accompanied by KP Nandini on violin, Sujith S Naik on flute and Mannarkoil J Balaji on mridangam.

Padams and Javalis are rare gems in Carnatic sangeetham. Both in the world of sangeetham and Bharatanatyam they seem to be historically shy perhaps because they are a challenge to render requiring the kind of steadfast rigour that is given to few to pursue. The artists present before you a few gems from the tradition so that you too may relish what they love and wish to share.

The performance will be followed by a discussion between the artists and Bangalore-based Bharatanatyam dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Carnatic vocalist Aishwarya Vidhya Raghunath.
Donor passes available at Skillbox
Click on the following link:
https://sklbx.com/lQWCJzsL

Date: May 18
Time: 6.30 pm onwards
Venue: Sabha BLR
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnekrpiSJFw7Yav78?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

"Ee Mohamu" is presented by Kishima Arts Foundation as part of their Public Digital Archives Project.

21/03/2025

Pune, we are bringing the celebration of the veena to your city as well.

On March 27, MOPA's comprehensive documentary on the Saraswati Veena - 'The Sound Alchemists: Episode 1' - will be screened in IISER Pune. The documentary follows the journey of the Saraswati Veena through the eyes of one of the most gifted vainikas of this generation - Ramana Balachandhran. After the screening, Ramana will be in conversation with Savita Narasimhan, curator and director of , to discuss the film and his own music making.

On March 28, Ramana will be joined by Anantha R Krishnan on the mridangam to bring you some of the finest Carnatic music in the CV Raman Auditorium in IISER. A Q&A with the artists will follow the concert.

All are welcome.

------------

This event is the first installment of the Critical Insider — a new series highlighting fresh perspectives upon the practice of Indian Classical music by the next generation of its gifted proponents. The series is curated by Kishima Arts Foundation and supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

20/03/2025

Once again, we are delighted to share two more videos featuring Padma Bhushan Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee in a sitar recital that took place at Bangalore International Centre as part of the Unbox BLR Festival. Budhaditya-ji began his recital with an absolutely magnificent rendition of Raag Marwa followed by a Thumri in Raag Khamaj. Soumen Nandy gave outstanding accompaniment on the tabla.
Click on the links below to watch the videos:
Raag Marwa: https://youtu.be/dxGpjvre1Ic
Thumri in Raag Khamaj: https://youtu.be/e4KKLo65hNo

Enjoy.

19/03/2025

We welcome you to a 2-day event celebrating the veena both on-screen and on-stage!

On March 25, Episode 1 of 'The Sound Alchemists' featuring will be screened at the Library. In this film by , Ramana guides us through the journey of the Saraswati Veena, offering a comprehensive look at its origins, evolution, the Vainika tradition and the music that makes it all come alive. This will be followed by a conversation between Ramana and Savita Narasimhan, curator and director of MOPA, to discuss his personal insights and experience with the veena.

On March 26, Ramana will be joined by Anantha R Krishnan on the mridangam for a special Carnatic concert at BIC. There will be a Q&A session post the concert.

All are welcome.

------------

This event is the first installment of the Critical Insider — a new series highlighting fresh perspectives upon the practice of Indian Classical music by the next generation of its gifted proponents. The series is curated by Kishima Arts Foundation and supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

12/11/2024

As part of our 10th Anniversary celebrations, we've invited one of our most favourite artistes, Padma Bhushan Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee to perform a surbahar and sitar recital at the G5A Warehouse in Mahalakshmi, Mumbai on 16th November, 7pm.
Budhaditya-da will be accompanied by his long-time collaborator Soumen Nandy on tabla.
We are further delighted that G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture are co-presenting this event with us. The concert is sponsored by State Bank of India and supported by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.
Tickets are available on Insider.in. You can get yours by clicking on the following link:
https://insider.in/noir-a-surbahar-and-sitar.../event
Here's a promo we made for the event.

11/11/2024

Just four days to go for the much awaited performance of "The Forgotten Seed" by Alarmel Valli at the G5A Warehouse in Mahalakshmi, Mumbai. The event marks FEA's 10th Anniversary and we look forward to celebrating it with you, dear Rasikas who have supported us through this last decade.
The concert is co-presented with G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture and is sponsored by State Bank of India and supported by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.
The event begins at 7pm and tickets are available on Insider.in. You can get yours by clicking on the following link: https://insider.in/the-forgotten-seed-celebrating.../event
We look forward to you joining us to celebrate this milestone.
Below is the poster we created for the event.