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Radhika Balakrishnan first Carnatic vocalist honored by UK Conservatoire
Carnatic vocalist receives honorary fellowship from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
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Ankita Baidya - Tue, 30, Jun 2026
- 04:30 EDT
- 29
Carnatic vocalist Radhika Balakrishnan receives an honorary fellowship from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the United Kingdom. / radhikasings.com
Carnatic vocalist, educator, and academic Radhika Balakrishnan has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), becoming the first Carnatic vocalist to receive the distinction from the United Kingdom's leading performing arts institution.
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The fellowship was presented at a ceremony at the Conservatoire in Birmingham. Previous recipients include the late John Mayer, composer and professor of composition at RBC from 1990 to 2004, who was recognized in 1999 for his pioneering contributions to Indo-jazz fusion.
Based in Bengaluru, Balakrishnan has performed and taught Carnatic music for more than 15 years. According to her professional website, she has presented the South Indian classical tradition to audiences in India, the United Kingdom, and other countries, while also exploring contemporary artistic collaborations.
Balakrishnan served as the inaugural Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair in Indian Studies at Birmingham City University from January to July 2023, according to a press release cited by PNI. During her tenure, she promoted Indian classical music through teaching, performances, and academic engagement. She trained under noted Carnatic vocalist and educator R.N. Sreelatha of the Rudrapatnam musical tradition.
Following her appointment as ICCR Chair, Balakrishnan continued her association with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as a visiting artist and professor, contributing to the institution's efforts to expand the study and performance of Indian classical music.
She has also served as a Senior Professor at the Shankar Mahadevan Academy, where she helped develop the academy's curriculum and trained students in Carnatic vocal music.
Stephen Maddock, Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said the fellowship recognizes Balakrishnan's achievements as both a performer and educator, as well as her contribution to integrating Indian classical music into the Conservatoire's academic and artistic programs. Shirley Thompson, Vice Principal (Music), said Balakrishnan made a lasting impact after joining the institution as its first Visiting Chair in Indian Music, enriching both students and faculty.
Accepting the honour, Balakrishnan said the fellowship represents growing international recognition of Indian classical music and its role in fostering global artistic exchange.
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