Indian American music maker, businesswoman, and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon have won a Grammy in the ‘Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant’ category for her new soulful album, ‘Triveni’. The coveted award not only highlights her musical prowess but also underscores her dedication to creating soulful art that transcends boundaries.
Chandrika is a trailblazer in merging Sanskrit chants with Western musical traditions. ‘Triveni’ is a Sanskrit term meaning the confluence of three rivers. Her two collaborators on the album are Wouter Kellerman, a South African flautist, and Eru Matsumoto, a Japanese cellist. They joined her at the 67th Grammy Awards ceremony on February 2 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Beyoncé won Album of the Year 2024 at the ceremony, which aired on CBS and Paramount+.
During her acceptance speech, Chandrika 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.” She also took pride in honoring and bringing global limelight to ancient Indian healing mantras.
Interestingly, Chandrika, who won her first Grammy nomination in 2011 for her 2009 album ‘Soul Call’, beat three other Indian-origin artists who were nominated in the same category this time: Anoushka Shankar (for ‘How Dark It Is Before Dawn’), daughter of sitar legend Ravi Shankar; Ricky Kej (‘Break of Dawn’); and Radha Vekaria (‘Warriors Of Light’).
‘Triveni’ tracks inner peace
Released in August 2024, ‘Triveni’ is a 7-track album that offers listeners a meditative journey aimed at promoting inner healing. Each track weaves ancient Vedic chants with global sounds to create a reflective soundscape that fosters mindfulness, self-discovery, and connection.
Each composition in ‘Triveni’ tells its own story while contributing to the album’s overarching theme of healing resonance. The album opens with ‘Invocation’, a serene chant that sets a meditative tone and invites listeners into a space of tranquility. The title track culminates the album, encapsulating the essence of the confluence of musical traditions and the journey toward inner peace.
Indian American creates a global ensemble
Triveni is a collaborative effort by three exceptional artists. Together, they weave a rich, cross-cultural dialogue that embodies their shared vision of unity through music.
- Chandrika Tandon: Chandrika, born in India and lives in New York, is a composer and vocalist trained in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western musical traditions. Her deep, soulful voice is the album’s foundation, delivering ancient chants with profound sincerity.
- Wouter Kellerman is 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.
Earlier, on bagging her second Grammy nomination for ‘Triveni’, Chandrika said in a press statement, “The album is a true confluence of three artistic spirits united in a higher purpose of music for healing. These mantras hold profound meaning, recognizing our inner fullness – ancient words with vibrations far beyond our comprehension. This nomination will allow more people to experience their healing power.”
Lauded by Indian Prime Minister Modi
Tandon has long produced music under her non-profit label, Soul Chants Music. She has released six albums inspired by chants from the Vedas, Hinduism’s foundational books. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Times Square, and the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the community at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island last September, she led a choir. Congratulating her on the Grammy win, he said, “We take great pride in her accomplishments as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and, of course, music! It is commendable how she has remained passionate about Indian culture and has been working to popularize it. She is an inspiration for several people.”
Triveni has been lauded for its ability to create a reflective soundscape that fosters mindfulness and connection. Seiji Nishino, Professor of Psychiatry and Sleep Researcher at Stanford University, said about ‘Triveni’, “The mantras evoke the vibrancy of life. The flute and cello tones and the heartbeat of the songs create a heart-rending resonance to life and lead us effortlessly into a world of dreams and meditation.”
Ever innovative, Tandon released an album titled ‘Ammu’s Treasures’ in 2023. It exposes even very young children to an extensive palette of music to leave a long-lasting impact – just like hearing Mozart in the womb.
Chandrika Tandon: An accomplished woman
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 world music charts.
She is a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist. She earned a degree from the Institute of Management, Ahmedabad in India and became the first Indian woman to Partner at McKinsey. She is chair of Tandon Capital Associates, a financial advisory firm she founded in 1992. She has 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. She is married to Ranjan Tandon, a graduate of the Harvard Business School. He is founder and chair of Libra Advisors, a hedge fund. The NYU Tandon School of Engineering is named so after the family’s bequest.
The Grammy award will inspire Chandrika to aspire to greater heights in her chosen endeavor. ‘Triveni’ is a testament to the harmonious possibilities that emerge when diverse musical traditions converge. This album resonates with listeners across cultures and countries, offering a sanctuary of peace and reflection in a world beset with issues and conflicts.
Listeners can enjoy Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy-winning album ‘Triveni’ for free on Spotify and SoundCloud.
More on ‘Triveni’ and Chandrika at her website: https://chandrikatandon.com/triveni/.
Read an earlier story about Chandrika on Lotus: https://alotusinthemud.com/grammy-nominated-chandrika-tandons-new-album-hug-world/
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