Mysuru: Surabhi Ganakalamandira will be presenting a classical vocal duet by Vidwans R.V. Akshay and R.V. Abhishek (TRK Brothers) on the theme, ‘Compositions of Shyama Sastri,’ under the ‘Yuva Sourabha’ series at BSS Vidyodaya School on Aug. 23 at 11 am.

The vocalists will be accompanied by Vid. B.R. Kushal on violin, Vid. Pranav S. Balakrishna on mridanga and Vid. B.R. Vidyashankar on ghata.

Artistes’ Profile

R.V. Akshay and R.V. Abhishek, popularly known as TRK Brothers, initially got trained in music under Vidu. Priya Puruhothaman and Ashwin Bhogendra at Pune and currently are under the tutelage of Ganakalabhushana R.K. Padmanabha. The duo have performed in several centres extensively and bagged many awards for ‘Best Manodharma Rendition’ from Rasika Ranajani Sabha, Chennai, ‘Best Male Singers’ in the Nadakishora competition of Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha, Mysuru, Top positions in the competition conducted by Saptaswara Organisation, Pune, for 4 consecutive years.

Both are graded artistes of AIR and have excelled in their academic achievements as well.

B.R. Kushal is currently under the tutelage of Vid. T.H. Subramanian (Thrissur) and has earlier learnt under Vid. Akella Mallikarjuna Sharma, Vid. Kumaresh and Vid. Violin Vasudevan, besides vocal music under Vid. Vijaya Siva. He has performed in many prestigious Sabhas and bagged awards, won first prizes in ‘Kala Utsav’ of Government of India-2024, Annual Music Competition of Madras Music Academy, Ramaseva Mandali, Hindu Margazhi Annual Music Competition, Gayana Samaja Annual Music Competition 2022 and Udayonmukhi Award.

Pranav S. Balakrishna has been trained in mridanga under Vid. M. Vasudeva Rao and from  his father Vid. S.V. Balakrishna and pursuing higher training under Vid. R. Shankaranarayanan, Chennai. He is also trained in flute by Vid. H.S. Venugopal and vocal music from his mother Vidu. Vasudha Balakrishna. He is a recipient of CCRT scholarship, first prize (senior) from the Gayana Samaja, 2nd prize at HCL Concerts of Madras Music Academy.

B.R. Vidyashankar is a disciple of Vid. Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma. In the past, he has learnt ghata under Vidwans Sampath Kumar and Anjankumar. He has accompanied many senior artistes and is also performing in fusion bands and percussion ensembles.