Ramna Balachandran in the debut version of the series | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Does Veena make attraction? Is it in such a way that its long neck moves towards the sky, or how the kudam vibrates with a subtle intensity, such as it keeps the melodies specified for centuries? It is present in a realm where sound and spirituality are connected. Each string, when plucking, not only produces a note, but a feeling.

Over the years, Masters of Instruments have developed different styles, while modern-day players continue to detect the possibilities of the instrument. This is the pulse of balance between heritage and innovation Sound alchemistA documentary chain was cured by composer Savita Narasimhan and produced by the Museum of Performing Arts (MOPA). The ambitious and intimate, debut episode in the scope, was dedicated to Veena. The series is an ODE for South Indian classical equipment, which is not in the form of artifacts but as living, breathing institutions.

The series has been cured by composer Savita Narasimhan photo credits: Special arrangements

Through the artistic lens of Ramana Balachandran, Sound alchemist Takes us deeply in Veena’s heart. The documentary conducted a one -year research, and cuisted an experience. We see careful craftsmanship behind each tool, from the selection of aged jackwood to the exact chisel of the kudam. We listen to the calm intensity of Ramna because he talks about his relationship with the instrument, how each bridge of a string, each slide is a dialogue between the artist and the equipment.

The series also highlight the contributors equally important in artisans – the series of the series. In Nelamangala near Bangalore, generations of equipment makers have crossed their knowledge about the echoes of Jackwood, balance between the importance and tradition and adaptation of bees in placing brass freight.

Still, what sets Sound alchemist Apart from this, the past has been refused to be romantic at the cost of the present. The series dare to ask: How is Veena relevant in modern soundscape? How does it reflect its voice in the dominated era of loud, more amplified equipment?

Ramana Balachandran answers these questions not through words but through music. The soul of the series is in music. Their performance is a complex balance between respecting tradition and embracing development. Their gums are complex and fine, their rhythmic experiments are bold and incredible. The series reminds us that the music is not limited to what we hear. It lives in silence, in the spaces between notes, and in resonance which is long defeated after the last string.

Watch the first episode of sound alchemists on MOPA’s YouTube channel.