| Ghanavenothan Retnam |
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| Flautist, Music Composer & Director |
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| His gratitude goes to Smt. Santha Bhaskar for giving him at his early age, the technical virtuosity in blending his music to the subtle nuances that makes him special in dance music. He is grateful to his family and the Pandit's family for their love and unconditioanl support in his artistic pursuits. A highly celebrated musician who brings exceptional artistry overlaid with great depth and vitality in his performances. In addition to performaing as a soloist or as an accompnist in dance and music orchestras, he also composes original music scores for orchestras and dance ballets many of which have been used in music and dance festivals, locally as well as abroad. His original compositions for dance-ballets "Manohra" (97 & 98), "Ramayana" (95 & 99), "And I Shall Be Me" (2001), "Shiva Utsavam" (2002) & "Pancha-Tantra" (2003) were widely acclaimed during various international performances. He has immense charity performances to his credit too, where many charitable institutions and needy students have benefited. He has conducted two flute "arangetrams" (debut solos) of his students, the first of it sort in Singapore. Had his music recorded extensively based on classical, devotional and on collaboration of east & west fusion music, which are used even in the 'Discovery Channel' and the 'Animal Planet' documentary series. |
| Even though he needs no introduction but for those who are new to the local arts scene, Ghanavenothan Retnam with his unflinching devotion for Indian classical music has carved a niche in the arts scenario in Singapore. He is the son of the late Sri R. Retnam, a pioneer musician of Singapore and "bul-bul-tara" artiste, a rare instrument not heard nowadays. Had his early tutelage under Pandit M. Ramalingam, another pioneer musician of Singapore, who nurtured his passion for playing the flute. Having numerous performances to his credit and having accompanied internationally renowned artists, not only in Singapore but also in numerous countries, certainly is the most sought after musician for music and dance performances. |
| In addition to performing, teaching and being the musin director at Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society and the Bhaskar's Arts Academy, he also is a contributing reviewer for the Arts Magazine and ST Life. He was awarded with the Golden Robe & The Title ~ "Sangeetha Kala Nipuna" (1994) by Nrityalaya. His virtuosity and talents gained him the Golden Robe & Title ~ "Singai Venugana Visharadha" (1996), conferred by Apsaras Arts. For his outstanding contributions to the field of arts, he created history by being the first Singaporean Indian artiste to be awarded the prestigious Singapore's "Young Artist Award" (1995), by the National Arts Council, Singapore. He was also awarded the "Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian Medalliiion" (2003), by the world peace and harmony organization from New York. Having won and gained these awards and accolades, he continues to serve the arts community by being in the various programming panels and advisory boards at the National Arts Council, The Singapore Youth Council and the Peoples Association, Singapore. |
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| Able to communicate his refined and stylised views and who also evokes aesthetic enjoyment through his passionate music, Ghanavenothan Retnam's unswerving devotion and dedication surges as a constant inspiration for the younger generation in Singapore. |
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