The Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival, the largest event of its kind outside India, attracts over 10,000 music lovers each year. Held annually at Cleveland State University, the 12-day festival showcases Carnatic music, a traditional form of classical music from South India.
The festival started in 1978 with a single Carnatic concert held in a church basement by Cleveland-based Indian immigrants V.V. Sundaram and R. Balasubramaniam, better known as “Cleveland Sundaram” and “Cleveland Balu.” In 1979, Tom Tuttle, a music professor at Cleveland State University, suggested moving the event to the university, forming a partnership that continues to this day.
Today, the festival is organized by Cleveland Sundaram’s son, Gopi Sundaram, and Cleveland Balu’s daughter, Radhika Balasubramaniam, who play key roles in shaping the event’s success.
A Prestigious Stage for Indian Classical Musicians
The Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival has become a highly respected event among Indian classical musicians worldwide. For many young musicians, performing at the festival is a dream come true, often viewed as a prestigious milestone akin to performing at the Kennedy Center.
Gopi Sundaram explained, “Performing in Cleveland is like performing at the Kennedy Center for these musicians.” He added that many fans attend the festival hoping to discover the next big star. “I come to Cleveland because I may get introduced to the next major star,” said one attendee.
Celebrating Talent and Emerging Artists
When asked what makes the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival unique, Gopi Sundaram emphasized two key aspects. First, the festival doesn’t just focus on showcasing well-known professional musicians; it also highlights lesser-known, talented musicians before they gain wider recognition. “It’s nice to say, ‘I heard them before they got big,’” he said.
Radhika Balasubramaniam also pointed out the festival’s support for emerging talent, adding, “We bring a lot of musicians when they are starting out. This may be their launching point.” The festival features a mix of established artists and up-and-coming performers, offering audiences a chance to experience fresh and exciting music.
A Surprising Connection: Carnatic Music and Tool
As part of my visit to the festival, I spent time interviewing Carnatic vocalists Akshara Samskriti and Kiranavali, who helped me understand how to appreciate Carnatic music. Later that evening, during a concert, I was struck by the rhythm and wondered if I was hearing similarities to the music of the American rock band, Tool.
After the show, Akshara confirmed the connection, explaining that both Carnatic music and Tool’s music share an unconventional approach to rhythm. “Tool utilizes a lot of mixing rhythms and non-standard numbers,” she said. “Carnatic music also includes time signatures like five, seven, and nine, which are similar to the patterns used by Tool.”
Festival Continues Through April 27
The Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival runs through Sunday, April 27, at Cleveland State University. Performances are held throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with most of the events open to the public for free.
This annual festival remains a key event for Indian classical music lovers and offers a unique opportunity to experience both well-known and emerging talents in the Carnatic tradition.
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