Songs for Many Lives
Songs for Many Lives creates new Carnatic compositions inspired by stories of South Asian immigration to the United States. These songs reflect not only the successes and struggles, but also the myriad ways - some more visible than others - by which South Asian immigrants have made a new home, re-invented traditions, and fought for better lives for their communities. Songs for Many Lives is led by violinist Sruti Sarathy and vocalist Roopa Mahadevan. The project began with a grant from the Creative Work Fund, through which they began working with Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA) to learn more about the organizing history of South Asians in the Bay Area, and the issues that drive their ongoing advocacy work. After three successful work-in-progress showings in Chicago (Kalapriya), Atlanta (Emory University), and San Francisco, Songs for Many Lives will formally premiere in the Bay Area, California in 2025. The show will feature the new songs (vocalists and musicians), video projection, and testimonial/audience participation.
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About the Artist:
Drawing from her rigorous training and love for Carnatic music, vocalist Roopa Mahadevan creates unique works with artists in jazz, world music, free improv, and R&B/soul genres. Roopa leads the crossover ensemble Roopa in Flux, directs the innovative choir Navatman Music Collective, and sings for leading Bharathanatyam and modern dancers around the world.
Roopa trained in Carnatic vocal under Asha Ramesh and further under Suguna Varadachari in India through the Fulbright scholarship. Roopa has performed in diverse venues ranging from Chennai's Music Academy during the December festival in India and Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana, which awarded her the title "Kala Ratna,” to stages like Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and smaller, chamber settings nationally. She is a soloist on Christopher Tin’s Grammy Award-winning album Calling All Dawns, and a featured voice with many innovative ensembles, including Brooklyn Raga Massive, She has participated in residencies at the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity, Joe's Pub, MASS MOCA, Hedgebrook, and Ryder Farm, and is currently a fellow with Asian Improv Arts, working on new compositions inspired by South Asian American history with support from the Creative Work Fund. Prior to music, Roopa worked in public health policy, following degrees from Stanford University.
Roopa’s many avatars include composer, dancer/theater artist, comedian, teacher, facilitator, and more. Through all of these, she seeks to express joy, humility, and tradition as radical and essential antidotes to
modern life