Y
oung Indian classical musicians will bring Carnatic and Hindustani traditions together for Sanskriti 2026, a concert in Brisbane on Saturday, 17 October.
The concert will take place from 5pm at Sunnybank Church of Christ, bringing together musicians from different parts of India’s classical music tradition for an evening centred on melody, rhythm and improvisation.
The programme will feature Carnatic music from South India and Hindustani music from North India, with each tradition first presented in its own form before the musicians come together for a collaborative finale.
The line-up includes vocalist Shruti Sreekanth, flautist Poonita Agarwal, violinist Shanker Dorairajan, mridangam player Ruddra Dorairajan and tabla player Guhanesh Ganesh.
Carnatic and Hindustani music have developed distinct musical systems over centuries, with differences in repertoire, rhythmic structures and approaches to improvisation. They also share foundations in concepts such as raga and tala, creating points of connection between the two traditions.
Sanskriti 2026 will use those shared elements as the basis for its final collaborative performance. The musicians will explore shared ragas, rhythm and improvisation while drawing on their individual training and musical traditions.
For audiences, the format offers an opportunity to hear the two traditions separately and then experience how they can work together in a live setting.
Carnatic music is associated with South India and is known for its structured melodic and rhythmic approach, while Hindustani music developed primarily in North India and places a strong emphasis on raga development and improvisational performance. Both traditions have been passed through generations of musicians and continue to evolve through contemporary performance.
The concert’s focus on young performers also reflects the role of a new generation in maintaining and presenting Indian classical music to audiences in Australia.
For members of Brisbane’s Indian community, the concert provides an opportunity to experience familiar musical traditions in a shared setting. It may also introduce audiences with little previous exposure to Indian classical music to the different approaches within the broader tradition.
Sanskriti 2026 will be held on Saturday, 17 October 2026, from 5pm at Sunnybank Church of Christ in Brisbane.
The artistes performing are Shruti Sreekanth on vocal, Poonita Agarwal on flute, Shanker Dorairajan on violin, Ruddra Dorairajan on mridangam and Guhanesh Ganesh on tabla.
The concert will close with the musicians performing together, bringing the evening’s two musical traditions into a shared performance.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
