As December transforms Chennai into a vibrant map of sabhas and musical gatherings, Carnatic vocalist Vignesh Ishwar, a respected fixture in the Margazhi circuit, approaches the season with a reflective, inward gaze. For him, the essence of Margazhi is no longer measured by the quantity of concerts but by the quality of purpose, surprise, and authentic emotion each performance carries.
An Internal Recalibration: Rethinking the Concert Format
When asked about the artistic question defining his current season, Vignesh Ishwar emphasizes a process of internal recalibration. He reveals that for the past several months, he has been deeply contemplating his concert presentations. "Our performance should not stagnate into a fixed format and pattern," he states. The driving thought is consistently about elevating the performance.
For Vignesh, this pursuit of change is not superficial. It is rooted in fundamental questions of intent: "Why am I presenting this? Why am I singing this?... How can I improvise upon what I have done before and not stagnate." This philosophical inquiry has led him to practical actions, including revisiting long-neglected ragas, reintroducing compositions he hasn't performed in years, and reimagining familiar structural elements. Even the traditional progression between alapana, niraval, and swaram is now subject to fresh, improvisational reshaping.
Carnatic Music as a Two-Way Engagement with the Audience
In the diverse atmosphere of a sabha, where purists, teenagers, casual listeners, and first-timers share the space, Vignesh views his concert list as an invitation, not a rigid prescription. "What I sing and what I present is up to me — how it’s received is not in my control," he acknowledges. He understands that while some attendees arrive with specific expectations, others might experience a form of culture shock.
His strategy involves crafting a mosaic of moods and textures. "We try and make sure there is a certain mix of emotion, mix of different composers, languages, and so on… because Carnatic music is a two-way engagement," he explains. This interactive philosophy extends to his on-stage spontaneity. "Sometimes, when I go on stage, I have no idea. It may change on stage depending on how the concert is going. It all depends on basically the voice," he adds, highlighting the live, responsive nature of his art.
On New Listeners, Canteen Culture, and Breaking Stereotypes
For those attending a Carnatic concert for the first time during Margazhi, Vignesh's hope is modest. "If they go back a little intrigued… that is enough," he says. Away from the stage, he enjoys the lighter side of the season, particularly the culinary discoveries at various sabha canteens. "At every canteen, there’s one sweet that’s amazing. In Narada Gana Sabha, they have coriander sevai … and of course, dosa is a staple," he shares with a smile.
He also finds amusement in common stereotypes about musicians during Margazhi. "People think that when we are in Margazhi, we will not eat this, we may not drink that. Yeah, sure, we do enjoy our ice creams. We are human too," he laughs. He notes that most assumptions dissolve when someone spots a musician casually enjoying breakfast with friends before a performance, clarifying that dietary restrictions are personal and voice-dependent.
How Chennai's Margazhi Season Forged His Artistic Identity
Although born and raised in Mumbai, Vignesh Ishwar's identity as a Carnatic musician was fundamentally shaped in the corridors of Chennai's sabhas. "The music season does shape your identity as a Carnatic musician," he affirms. "It gives you a boost in your recognition… People from all around the world come and attend the Margazhi season."
Significantly, much of his artistic evolution occurred not on stage, but in the audience. "Going around concerts with my friends, discussing what people sang and what the legendary did… has shaped quite a lot of what I listen to, how I listen to, how I sing," he reflects. This deep immersion as a listener during past seasons now informs his thoughtful approach as a performer, making his current journey of introspection a natural progression in his artistic life within the vibrant tapestry of Chennai's December music festival.
