Ranjani Sivakumar's "Birdsong" concert celebrates avian-themed music

Ranjani Sivakumar, a classical musician from Hyderabad, is set to perform the fifth edition of her concert series, "Birdsong by Birdsong." This two-hour event will celebrate birds through classical music. The concert will feature songs in various languages, including Telugu, Urdu, Tamil, Sanskrit, and Kannada. The performance includes works by famous composers like Tyagaraja and Amir Khusro, as well as songs from popular groups like The Beatles. Ranjani credits Anuradha Gunupati, founder of the Saptaparni cultural centre, for inspiring this concert series. She expresses her gratitude for her support in bringing this idea to life. Ranjani is not just a musician; she is also an avid birdwatcher. She can identify many bird species by their calls, including the kingfisher and the koel. She notes that Hyderabad has several green areas where these birds can be found. This concert series began in 2021 during the Hyderabad Literature Festival, where Ranjani aimed to move beyond traditional classical performances. Her love for birds and music influenced her artistic direction, leading to a diverse setlist celebrating birds as a common theme in music. Ranjani’s research has unveiled the deep meanings birds hold in various artistic works. She continues to add new songs to her concert, influenced by discussions with fellow artists and recommendations from others. The next concert will take place on March 22 at the Saptaparni Cultural Centre, with tickets priced at ₹250.