Bringing international recognition to Karnataka’s rich classical music heritage, renowned Carnatic vocalist, academic and educator Dr Radhika Balakrishnan has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious performing arts institutions.
“To become only the second Indian in the Conservatoire’s hundred-year history to receive this honour is not simply a personal milestone it is a recognition of Indian classical music on an international stage. I see it not only as a privilege but also as a responsibility to continue serving this art form with sincerity and dedication. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, specialising in Theatre, Music, and Dance, during which I graduated at the top of my university and received the highest number of gold medals and honours awarded in the history of the University of Mysore. I later topped my Master’s degree in Music and completed my doctoral research titled The Influence of Nagaswaram on Carnatic Classical Music,” she says.
Alongside performing extensively across India and abroad, she has presented research papers at UGC seminars, NCPA, ITC Sangeet Research Academy, and Sangeet Natak Akademi conferences. She has also recorded for the Air India safety video under the musical direction of Dr. Shankar Mahadevan. As Senior Professor at the Shankar Mahadevan Academy, she has designed curriculum, created educational content, and trained students to perform at the highest levels.
As ICCR’s first Chair of Indian Studies (Music) at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, she founded the RBC India Ensemble and developed innovative ways of presenting Indian music to international audiences. Highlights included performing during the celebrations marking the Coronation of King Charles III, collaborations with the BBC, and community outreach projects such as Voices Unite, where I taught and performed with over 280 children from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. It was especially meaningful to see Indian music become a medium for peace and cultural understanding. “One of the most meaningful initiatives during my time in the UK was teaching and performing with over 280 children from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds through the Voices Unite project. Using Indian music as a vehicle for peace, inclusion, and celebration was an immensely rewarding experience. I believe music has the power to build bridges across communities, and wherever I work, I strive to share it in ways that invite more people to discover and appreciate it,” she says.
Read the full story that first appeared in The Global Indian here:
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