Dear Supporter

Our fundraising is chugging along and we have just about reached 25% of the goal, thanks to the families that have mailed a check or donated online. Did you know that families that donate $100 or more will be able download and listen to 'high-quality' audio recordings from each concert? 

Those who attended last weekend's concert were blown away by the outstanding performance of a diminutive 14-year old. Adithya Chakravarthy blew us away leaving no doubt that the standing ovation at the end was so richly deserved. An upcoming concert in 2015 features another child prodigy -Kamalakiran Vinjamuri - who has played with no less than the genius of Carnatic music - Dr. Balamurali Krishna. 

The parents of these youngsters are thankful to Hamsadhwani for offering such talented youngsters a platform to showcase their talents. But the real truth is that it is a privilege for the discerning audience and an inspiration to our children to see their peers put heart and soul into creating a stellar musical experience.

The fundraising needle is moving slowly but surely. If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to do your part to support the community and musicians. Your donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by companies like Amgen, Bank of America, PNC Bank, etc.

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Kamalakiran Vinjamuri is an upcoming violinist, undoubtedly a child prodigy, who excels in the art of violin playing, both solo and as an accompaniment. The courage of this little-by-age violinist on stage is a result of his hard work, dedication and sincerity towards the art form. The swiftness, sharpness and steadiness he ensures throughout the performance, reminds of Sri Hanuman and not to miss the resultant divine music that flows from the tiny fingers creeping on the violin, synergizing with the dancing bow directly blessed by Sri Rama, is beyond verbal definition.

He has accompanied stalwarts like Sri Balamurali Krishna, a living legend. His musicianship needs no introduction to the music audience. However, the true human being in such great musicians to encourage real talent and to treat at par on stage is worth, a mention and a culture that shall sustain and be inherited by all musicians for ages to come.

On the whole, Kamalakiran is a boon to the music fraternity of North America and is a true inspiration to all music students and aspirants who has defied the rule of age-proficiency matching.

Do not miss the concert on Feb 22 Sunday from 3-6 pm at the Simi Vlley senior center. He will be accompanied by Vignesh Venkataraman on the Mridangam and Vivek Chellappa on the Kanjira.

Dear Supporter

It is week two of our fundraising campaign and we're close to 17% of our goal! Thank you to all those who've contributed so far. Your support is especially crucial as it motivates others to pitch in as well. Watch this feedback from one of our sweetest rasikas who drives the point home with a lot of love.

Transparency inspires confidence. This is especially true for non-profit organizations like Hamsadhwani. According to the National Council of Nonprofits,

In keeping with the highest standards of transparency, Hamsadhwani has published its 2014 financial statements online for anyone to review.

When you make a donation to a non-profit, it is important to understand how your funds are going to be used. Most non-profits have overhead - administration, fundraising, staff compensation, etc. - and a significant portion of your contributions may not be used for the cause it was meant to support. A quick breakdown of Hamsadhwani's financials reveals the following:

Beginning Balance
Balance at beginning of year = $95
Revenue
Contributions received from direct public support = $6745
Expenses
Artist fees = $4075
Food expenses = $395
Operation expenses = $24
Hall rent = $1264
Recognition and award expenses = $165
Travel expenses = $142
Prepaid hall rent = $772
Ending Balance
Net balance at end of year = $3

You can see that 100% of your contributions go towards supporting the causes that Hamsadhwani espouses - to encourage up and coming artistes, to provide exposure to students, and to benefit the general public interested in Carnatic music. Pitch in with your support today! Donations can be made online or via postal mail too!

Don't forget! The first concert of 2015 is coming up this Sunday at 3 pm, by the very talented Adithya Chakravarthy (watch promo video). 

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Do not miss this weekend's concert by Adithya Chakravarthy from Toronto. He will be accompanied by Shiva Ramamurthi on the Violin and Arjun Narayanan on the Mridangam. Sunday at 3 PM at the Simi Valley Senior Center. Admission is Free.

Sharada Krishnan, a young and talented musician who is also slated to perform for Hamsadhwani later in 2015, has put together a video to support her friend, Adithya Chakravarthy. Thank you Sharada!

Dear Supporter

Our 2015 Fundraising Campaign is well under way and a trickle of donations has started coming in, thanks to those of you who acted promptly. Watch this video of a testimonial from one of our rasikas, and the difference Hamsadhwani has made to his family.

One of the most enchanting instruments played in Carnatic music concerts is the Veena. Did you know that the Veena has a recorded history that dates back to 1500 BC, and is depicted in various ancient texts and coins? Variations of it are used in nearly all forms of Indian classical music, but the Saraswati Veena played in Carnatic music is considered the most sophisticated. Little wonder that it is one of the most challenging instruments to play, and exponents like Veena E Gayathri equate learning to play the instrument with spirituality, penance and meditation. It is argued that, given the extraordinary rigor involved, the Veena and Vainikas (those who play the Veena) are a slowly dying breed today. 

That is why Hamsadhwani is proud and honored to present a concert by a Veena trio, no less, in August 2015. Presented by Sri Srikanth Chary and his children, Hrishikesh and Priyanka, it will be an opportunity for us all to soak ourselves in music that was passed down over nearly the entire history of the civilized world, and appreciate one family's dedication towards an ancient art.

Here's your chance to encourage the young artistes who are proudly carrying the flag of history and hopefully passing it to the next generation. Support Hamsadhwani's endeavors by making a donation today. For your convenience, donations can be sent online or via mail, if not in person.

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VEENA TRIO: SRI SRIKANTH CHARY, HRISHIKESH CHARY, PRIYANKA CHARY

Hamsadhwani is very proud and honored to present veena trio carnatic concert  by Sri Srikanth Chary and his kids Hrishikesh and Priyanka. Srikanth is the director of Nada Niddhi Music School in the Bay area for the past 25 years. He underwent his training under Sri Devakottai Narayana Iyengar, Smt Kalyani Sharma, Kum A KAnyakumari and Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman. Hrishikesh and Priyanka are disciples of their father Sri Srikanth Chary.

Do not miss their concert in Los Angeles in the month of August 2015. It is a true blessing for our LA audience.

Dear Supporter

First of all, wish you and your family a very happy and prosperous new year!

It is August 28, 2010. A concert gets going. The musicians tune their vaadhiyams. The milling crowd refuses to settle down. There are people walking about. Talking to each other. Some loudly, oblivious to what is happening. Some in murmurs and whispers. The music begins. Minutes pass. A silence descends upon the crowd. Many in the audience start tapping the thaaLam, as if the musicians depend on them to stay in cadence. An hour passes by. Now you could see the heads shaking. The occasional 'Sabaash!', 'Bale!' and 'Aaha!' pierce the silence. By the time the concert ends, the musicians, the organizers, and the audience blend into a harmonious one. Far from the sabhas of India, somewhere in the sleepy suburbs of Southern California, a mellifluous blend of traditional and earthy Carnatic music holds a crowd spellbound. The music has permeated the soul. If you are there, you realize that something happened. A tradition begins. This is how history is created.

Hamsadhwani Carnatic Music Academy is into its 5th year now. What started rolling that day in 2010 has gathered momentum. Watch this video to see how Hamsadhwani has become an integral part of our rasika's lives today.

None of this would have been possible without your support. Towards that end, we are pleased to announce the launch of Hamsadhwani's 2015 Fundraising Campaign! 

• The campaign begins today, Friday, Jan 9th.
  
• Over the next 8 weeks, weekly emails, facebook posts, and blogs will keep you updated on the progress.
  
• The goal is to raise at least $10000, our budget for 2015.
  
• The budget covers all the concerts that have already been scheduled.
  
• It accommodates two additional concerts by artistes from India that will be scheduled during the year.
  
• Please note that 100% of the funds raised are used to pay for actual expenses like hall rent and artiste compensation only.
  
• There is no minimum, but the suggested donation is $100 per family.
  
• All donations will be tax exempt under code 501-(c)(3) of the IRS.
  

The first concert by Adithya Chackravarthy, a prodigal talent from Canada, is coming up on Jan 25th. Please support your music community and young musicians. Donate online or mail a check today!

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