Chennai, Acclaimed filmmaker Rajiv Menon today unveiled a rare Indo-Celtic music recreation, Vismaya- Nottuswara Sahityas of Dikshitar by Kanniks Kannikeswaran - the first ever complete recording of all 39 compositions in this genre. The Nottuswara Sahityas comprises of Sanskrit lyrics written to western tunes of the 18th and 19th centuries, a creation by one of Indias foremost composers- Muthusvami Dikshitar (1775-1835). Rajiv Menon presented the newly launched album to American Consul General Andrew Simkin and Director Khantan, on the occasion.

The album is the fruit of over three years of painstaking research by NRI musician and composer Kanniks Kannikeswaran who has recorded these compositions with a rare blend of Indian voices and western instrumentation. Some of the Celtic (Irish/Scottish) instruments used include Penny whistle, Irish flute, Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer and Irish fiddles among others. Kanniks 13-year old daughter, Vidita Kanniks has made her singing debut with this album and she has sung the entire album to perfection in her young voice replete with possibilities.

Vismaya will be manufactured and marketed by Chennai-based Nadham Music Media and will be available at all leading retail outlets at a retail price of Rs.300/- per set of two CDs containing the album. An interesting facet of Vismaya is that it is for the entire family and even children will be able to understand, listen and correlate to the music in the album.

After formally launching the album, Rajiv Menon said, I am privileged to be here launching Vismaya. The album is a laudable journey in unearthing masterpieces from Indias diverse, centuries old musical heritage and reaching it to a larger audience in a contemporary package. The young and virgin voice of 12-year old Vidita Kanniks combined with the unique sound of music is sure to delight old and young music fans alike.

Talking of the album, Kanniks Kannikeswaran said, Vismaya is a mix of music with diverse elements, concepts and cultures and a contribution to the younger generation in India, encouraging them to appreciate diverse traditions. The listener is exposed to many genres such as lullabies, marches, jigs, dances and more. It is an ideal introduction to classical music for children in elementary and secondary schools.

Notes to Editor

On her debut as a singer, Vidita Kanniks said, It was both exciting and challenging to sing the entire album and truly enjoyed the whole process despite this being the first recording for me. Will thank my father for the encouragement and the inspiration which made me do what I have done besides developing a deep passion for music.