Acclaimed Violinist Makes San Diego Debut in Poway

Acclaimed Indian violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam will perform for the first time in San Diego County on Oct. 3, accompanied by his 19-year-old son, Ambi.

Subramaniam has been praised by fans, critics, even a president. In fact, he has been deemed "the God of Indian Violin."

"I'm looking forward to this because I'll be playing with my son," Subramaniam said. "It's fantastic because he's become an outstanding musician."

The Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego (IFAASD), an organization that opened in 2007, arranged the "East Meets West" concert. Shekar Viswanathan, the secretary and one of the founders of the group, said the concert will be held at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts because the theater offers an array of amenities.

"We certainly want to make sure that we are known within San Diego County since our organization is based in San Diego County, so we move things around from various locations," Viswanathan said. "The community has been very supportive of Indian programs in the past, so we feel it is appropriate to have the event in Poway."

IFAASD's mission is to organize performances of visiting artists from India and encourage local talents in classical music, dance and arts. Viswanathan said the group's events averaged 100-120 attendees its first year. IFAASD membership has since grown to almost 600 Indian art enthusiasts.

"We get a number of requests," Viswanathan said. "Our organization is very well known here as well as in India."

IFAASD board members are particularly enthusiastic about the "East Meets West" event because Subramaniam has a number of fans in the United States.

Subramaniam, who has played music for five decades, was raised in a musical family. Both of his parents were accomplished musicians. Although he studied medicine and was registered as a general practitioner, Subramaniam eventually followed his parents' footsteps, and now his children are following his.

"I tried to work; then I stopped," Subramaniam said. "Music was my main affair."

Subramaniam has performed, produced, collaborated, conducted and released more than 150 recordings. Throughout his career, he has won several awards and accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for "The Most Creative Artist" from the President of India, as well as a Grammy nomination.

"He is kind of a perfect person who can mesh the Indian and the Western compositions," Viswanathan said.

Subramaniam encouraged attendees to come with an open mind.

"They will be able to hear a lot of technical expression in violin," Subramaniam said. "The violin, being a Western instrument, people normally connect the violin with classical music, Western jazz, country and things like that."

Viswanathan hopes the concert attracts followers of the Indian arts as well as those who are not familiar with Indian music.

"This is a very unique opportunity for people to witness and enjoy some of the best music," Viswanathan said.

Event info

What: The Fine Arts Academy of San Diego's "East Meets West"

When: Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.

Where: Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway

How much: Adult tickets cost $25-$50, children's tickets cost $10-$30 and tickets for members cost $15-$35.

Contact: For more information, visit powaycenter.com and indianfinearts.org.