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Home » Chandrika Tandon’s ‘Triveni’ ~ A harmonious confluence of cultures

Chandrika Tandon’s ‘Triveni’ ~ A harmonious confluence of cultures

A transcendental blend of Vedic chants, soulful flute, and resonant cello, Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy-winning album ‘Triveni’ is a meditative journey.

by Navni Chawla
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Chandrika Tandon wins the Grammy for ‘Triveni’ in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

Blending ancient chants with global sounds

Indian-American musician, businesswoman and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon achieved a significant milestone at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards by winning in the ‘Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant’ category for her album ‘Triveni’. This accolade not only highlights her musical prowess but also underscores her dedication to creating soulful art that transcends cultural boundaries.

A Journey through ‘Triveni’

Released in August 2024, ‘Triveni’ is a seven-track album that offers listeners a meditative journey aimed at promoting inner healing. The title, derived from the Sanskrit term for the confluence of three rivers, symbolizes the fusion of diverse musical traditions present in the album. Each track weaves ancient Vedic chants with melodic flute and resonant cello, creating a reflective soundscape that fosters mindfulness, self-discovery, and connection. 

India-born, New York-based Chandrika Tandon has long championed music’s spiritual and healing essence. In an earlier interview with India West, she reflected, “A quiet mind is essential for singing well. For me, spirituality is about being in that stillness… and music has been my path to finding it.”

A trailblazer in merging Sanskrit chants with Western musical traditions, Tandon views music as a meditative journey: “When I sing, I am in deep meditation. When I teach or sing with students, I see the divine in them – that is my spirituality.”

Chandrika Tandon and her collaborators on ‘Triveni’, South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese celllist Eru Matsumoto, posing after receiving the Grammy.
Chandrika Tandon and her collaborators on ‘Triveni’, South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, pose after receiving the Grammy.

The Collaborators: A global ensemble

Triveni is a collaborative effort that brings together three exceptional artists:

Chandrika Tandon: A composer and vocalist trained in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western musical traditions. Her deep, soulful voice serves as the foundation of the album, delivering ancient chants with profound sincerity.

Wouter Kellerman: A South African flautist renowned for his expressive playing and ability to blend various musical genres. His flute melodies add a soothing and ethereal quality to the compositions.

Eru Matsumoto: A Japanese cellist celebrated for her emotive performances. Her cello provides a rich, resonant depth, complementing the vocals and flute harmoniously.

Together, they weave a rich, cross-cultural dialogue that embodies their shared vision of unity through music. 

Triveni blends ancient Vedic chants, melodic flute, and resonant cello, crafting a soulful journey of mindfulness and connection.

‘Triveni’ is more than an album – it’s a spiritual experience that bridges cultures, traditions, and the healing power of music.

A track-by-track exploration

Each composition in Triveni tells its own story while contributing to the album’s overarching theme of healing resonance:

1. Invocation: The album opens with a serene chant, setting a meditative tone and inviting listeners into a space of tranquility.

2. River of Peace: Flute and cello harmonize beautifully, creating a flowing melody that evokes the gentle movement of a peaceful river.

3. Sacred Union: Tandon’s vocals take center stage, delivering ancient mantras that speak to the union of mind, body, and spirit.

4. Eternal Journey: A contemplative piece that blends all three elements- vocals, flute, and cello — symbolizing the timeless journey of the soul.

5. Whispers of the Divine: Soft flute melodies intertwine with subtle chants, creating an atmosphere of divine whisperings.

6. Celestial Dance: An uplifting track that brings a sense of joy and lightness, reminiscent of a celestial dance.

7. Triveni: The title track culminates the album, encapsulating the essence of the confluence of musical traditions and the journey toward inner peace.

Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi has lauded Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy win, calling her an inspiration for her contributions to music and culture. The two met at his Indian community reception on Long Island where she performed leading a choir.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy win, calling her an inspiration for her contributions to music and culture. The two met in 2023. She performed, leading a choir, last September at his Indian community reception on Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum. (Photo courtesy PIB)

Critical acclaim

‘Triveni’ has been lauded for its ability to create a reflective soundscape that fosters mindfulness and connection. One reviewer noted on chandrikatandon.com, “A beautiful, meditative album that you’ll want to return to again and again. Each listen reveals another gorgeous layer as the soothing sounds from the trio wrap you in a blanket of calm and security.” 

Chandrika Tandon: Beyond the music

Chandrika Tandon’s journey to this Grammy win is as multifaceted as her music. Born in Chennai (like her younger sister, former Pepisco chief Indra Nooyi), she was trained by masters in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western traditions. Her debut album, ‘Soul Call,’ topped the world music charts and earned a Grammy nomination in 2009. Beyond her musical endeavors, Tandon is a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist, having served on the President’s Advisory Council at Berklee College of Music and founded the Berklee Tandon Global Clinics, which brings world-class faculty to underrepresented countries. The NYU Tandon School of Engineering is so named after her family’s bequest.

A message of unity and healing

In her Grammy acceptance speech, Tandon spoke about the importance of music in the world. “Music is love, music is light, and music is laughter and let’s all be surrounded by love, light, and laughter. Thank you for the music and thank you to everyone who makes music.”

‘Triveni’ stands as a testament to the harmonious possibilities that emerge when diverse musical traditions converge. Through this album, Chandrika Tandon and her collaborators have crafted a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across cultures, offering a sanctuary of peace and reflection in a bustling world.

Listeners can enjoy Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy-winning album ‘Triveni’ for free on Spotify and SoundCloud. 

More on ‘Triveni’ and Chandrika Tandon at her website: https://chandrikatandon.com/triveni/.

Read earlier story about Chandrika on Lotus:

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