On April 12, the Victoria Theatre in Singapore will come alive with a soulful celebration of Tamil language and culture through a Carnatic music concert that promises to be nothing short of mesmerizing. The event, Tamizhum Naanum, will feature the legendary Carnatic vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyan, renowned for his mastery in blending classical rigor with heartfelt emotion.
This concert will pay a profound tribute to Tamil’s deep-rooted presence in Carnatic music and its timeless connection to Tamil culture.
Done in collaboration with the Tamil Language Council as part of the Tamil Language Festival 2025, Tamizhum Naanum is a homage to the poets, composers, and traditions that have shaped Tamil music over the centuries.
Sanjay — who will perform in Singapore just a few weeks after his famed disciple Sandeep Narayan left the audience in the city-state mesmerised with his artistry — will take the concertgoers on a journey through history, devotion, and musical richness, showcasing the works of Tamil composers like Arunachala Kavi, Gopalakrishna Bharathi, Muthu Thandavar, and poets such as Subramania Bharathi, Vallalar, and Bharathidasan.
Ahead of the upcoming performance, he spoke to Connected to India’s Sudipto Maity for an exclusive @Work interview, giving a sneak-peek into his offerings.
Sanjay, who has been performing Carnatic music for over four decades, says that the concert will be structured like a typical Carnatic music performance, however, with a twist. “The content will be exclusive in the Tamil language, so you can expect the usual blend of rigor and emotion as has been in the past,” he says
Talking about the significance of the collaboration with the Tamil Language Festival and the Tamil Language Council, Sanjay emphasizes how this partnership celebrates Tamil culture and language in a vibrant and meaningful way.
“I feel it’s amazing how it channels creativity to honor something so core to identity, bringing the richness of Tamil heritage to life,” he says. “I believe its focus on youth is key — it pulls in the next generation, sparking their curiosity and pride in their roots. And I think it’s incredible how it boosts appreciation and preservation efforts, ensuring that the language and culture don’t just survive but thrive.”
In terms of location, the Victoria Theatre in Singapore holds immense historical significance. It has long been a venue for unforgettable performances, making it an ideal place to host such a culturally immersive experience.
“I feel its elegant design doesn’t just look amazing — it lifts the whole atmosphere, making it feel grand and timeless,” Sanjay says about the iconic venue. “I believe the acoustics, shaped by its architecture, let every note ring out perfectly, which is so important for a great concert.”
“And I think the vibe, that mix of nostalgia and prestige, pulls you into a culturally immersive experience that’s more than just a show — it’s a moment soaked in heritage.” Interestingly, Singapore is one of the few places where Tamizhum Naanum is held during the Tamil language month. The city-state recognises Tamil as one of its 4 official languages, alongside English, Malay, and Singaporean Mandarin.
The performance will be accompanied by two of the most talented musicians in the Carnatic music scene — S. Varadarajan on the violin and Neyveli Venkatesh on the mridangam.
Varadarajan’s violin will complement Sanjay’s vocals with its fluid, expressive tones, adding a layer of richness to the compositions.
Venkatesh, known for his electrifying yet soothing style on the mridangam, will provide the rhythm that is integral to the heart of Carnatic music.
In terms of takeaways, Sanjay believes that the audience will be the best judges of what they take away from the experience.
The concert will run from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the aforementioned date.
