Raghavendran Rajasekaran | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Also known as | Ragha |
Born | Singapore | 6 May 1988
Origin | India |
Genres | Carnatic, jazz, pop |
Occupation | Flautist |
Instrument(s) | Indian flute, bansuri, guitar |
Years active | 2006–present |
Labels | TisraRoopaSangeeth, Tigaia, Gammarays – Gamelan |
Raghavendran Rajasekaran, born 6 May 1988, professionally referred to as Ragha, is a classical flautist based in Singapore.[1] Trained in the traditional Indian baani, he also performs Western music and experiments with different genres of music.
Ragha was born in Singapore on May 6, 1988, to Smt. Nalini Rajasekaran and Sri Rajasekaran. He has two siblings.
At the age of 11, Ragha started his musical journey with the classical Indian flute under the tutelage of Ghanavenothan Rethnam, who is his guru to date.[1] He also had special training from Trichy L. Saravanan and Pt. Ronu Majumdar, with a scholarship from the National Arts Council of Singapore.[citation needed] Ragha graduated in music from Lasalle College of Arts and Music, Singapore, with a major in jazz music trained under Tim O'Dwyer.[2]
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 the World Folk Song Festival 2008 (Beijing) and Yogyakarta Gamelan Festival 2008 (Indonesia).[2]
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:
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.[6]
Apart from being a musician, Ragha has served in the Singapore Police Force as Special Constable Sergeant during his National Service.[8]
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.[citation needed]