MENTOR BIOGRAPHY
 | Traditional Skill/Art: Carnatic Vocal (Indian Classical Voice) Years Won: 2026 |
Madhurasmitha (Smitha) Chakravarthy grew up across multiple cities in India, imbibing many cultures and languages, and has been a resident of Portland, OR since 2003. A musician and composer, Smitha continues to volunteer at Portland Balaji Temple as a music teacher for the last 10+ years, with over 60 students. Her command over multiple Indian languages (Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Sanskrit and Hindi), and her in-depth training in music and dance enable her to provide holistic art education to her students.
APPRENTICE BIOGRAPHY
 | Aditi Atreya Traditional Skill/Art: Carnatic Vocal (Indian Classical Voice) Years Won: 2026 |
Carnatic music allows Aditi Atreya to connect with and learn from renowned artists from India. Engaging with these talented individuals, who are so deeply dedicated to this art form, has been a constant source of inspiration for her. Atreya shares, "Music has become a powerful connector in my life, allowing me to meet and bond with people who share the same love and enthusiasm for this tradition. Through this shared passion, I've built meaningful relationships and a sense of community with others who appreciate the rich heritage and storytelling that Carnatic music embodies."
Q&A WITH THE MENTOR ARTIST
I am deeply rooted in two traditional South Indian classical art forms: Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance.
Carnatic music, with its intricate ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles), is one of the oldest systems of music in the world and is often performed in both formal and cultural settings. Bharatanatyam, similarly, is an ancient dance form that combines expressive movements, rhythmic footwork, and storytelling through intricate hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions.
This apprenticeship project will have a significant impact on the broader cultural community by fostering the preservation and promotion of traditional Carnatic music. By nurturing Aditi's growth and deepening her understanding of this classical art form, the project contributes to the continuity of a rich musical heritage that has been passed down through generations. As Aditi develops her skills and becomes more confident in performing, she will not only share her talent through concerts but also inspire younger generations to appreciate and engage with Carnatic music.
I have been fortunate to showcase my music at renowned locations such as Swati Thirunal Sangeetha Sabha, Chembai Memorial Concerts in Kerala, Malleswaram Sangeetha Sabha, and Rama Seva Mandali in Karnataka, as well as at TTD Nadaneerajanam and TTD Brahmotsavams in Andhra Pradesh, to name a few. Since moving to the U.S., I have not only continued this tradition of performance but have also embraced teaching. In the Portland Northwest, I've had the privilege of performing and presiding at esteemed venues like Kalakendra Portland, Portland Thyagaraja Aradhana, HECSA Portland, and many others.
For my contributions to advancing music, arts, and culture, I have received numerous honors, including an Award of Appreciation from Sankara Drumming School for my training of many percussionists in the art of accompanying, as well as the Award for Outstanding Performance from Portland Thyagaraja Aradhana. Additionally, I was honored with the Sangeetha Samrat Dron(e)Acharya Award, recognizing my students who excelled by winning two of the three categories at a music competition judged by professional artists from India. I also received the community-nominated PDX Hero Award for my efforts to promote music education during the challenging times of COVID.