Ragavan

The practice of music is a great part of my inner self. To me, it is the very air I breathe. - Clara Schumann

I have decided that, in all future advertising, I shall be billed as a performer on the "gold metal aerophon, in which audio oscillations are produced by controlled, exhaled, breath and which is fitted with a digitally controlled frequency selecting apparatus". It sounds so much more important than just Flute player.

Ragavan Manian, or Rags as his fans and friends know him, is a compelling voice in the bay area classical music scene for his concert technique, voice culture and innovativeness. Starting his training in South Indian Classical music at age seven, he went on to become a cherished disciple of maestro 'Padma Vibhushan' Dr. Balamurali Krishna. He started giving full-length Carnatic concerts from his thirteenth year, and has thus far performed in all prestigious musical venues in Madras, like Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, Bharat Kalachar, Indian Fine Arts, Narada Gana Sabha, Mylapore Fine Arts and Karthik Fine Arts.  He performs regularly in India and US.

His versatility spans the variety of instruments that he so effortlessly plays without any training. His interests include Bansuri (North Indian woodwind), violin, guitar and harmonica. While his vocal abilities are his forte, he also has creative compositions to his credit.

Rags has won several awards at various musical sabhas He has also performed in Indian national television (DD) and radio (AIR). Considered a creative prodigy, he has received glowing reviews in prestigious newspapers and magazines. A key member of Thillana, he continues to inspire fellow singers and enthrall a wide reaching audience.