On the eve of International
Women's Day 2025, experience a breathtaking musical celebration of the
Divine Feminine, a one-of-a-kind fusion of Western Classical Opera and
Hindustani Classical Music. Through soaring melodies and evocative
storytelling, this performance is an ode to the warriors, nurturers, and
creators who continue to inspire across generations, bringing to life the
strength, grace, and power of goddesses from Vedic mythology.
Blending the grandeur of operatic vocals with the intricate textures of Indian
ragas, this original work by Composer and
Performer Cheryl Bains
reimagines the stories of Goddess Durga’s fierce battle, Goddess Ganga’s
celestial descent, and the tender emotions of Goddess Parvati and Goddess
Lakshmi. Accompanied by a stellar ensemble of strings, piano, and percussion,
this spellbinding production unveils the heart of these legendary figures—not
just as deities, but as reflections of love, courage, and resilience.
Join us for an unforgettable evening where mythology meets melody, and music becomes a gateway to the divine.
Cheryl Bains is an operatically trained Soprano and a classical-crossover artist. Most recently in her home country, India, Cheryl appeared with the esteemed Kolkata Sinfonietta Orchestra and Choir, at the stately Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, under the baton of Maestro Dider Talpain, the french Consul General. She also had the privilege to perform in Mumbai’s iconic Royal Opera House, as the featured performer, for the historic first chapter of “Les Entretiens de Royaumont” in India, hosted by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In New Delhi, Cheryl has appeared in numerous recitals with the acclaimed The Neemrana Music Foundation, collaborating with world-renowned artists and coaches such as Vanessa Garcia, Arnaud Kientz and Clémence Chabrand at prestigious venues such as The Liszt Institute, Stein Auditorium and the Italian Embassy Cultural Center. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, New York, Cheryl was well received in roles such as Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Maria in The Sound of Music in concert work. She was also featured as a soloist with the MSM Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Kent Tritle, and at choice events such as the MSM Annual Spring Gala and MSM’s 15th Annual International Student Concert, where she made her composer debut with arrangements of traditional Indian music; Kabir’s Ghat ghat mein panchi bolta and Vande Mataram for western instruments. Raised in Singapore, Cheryl was featured and well reviewed as a soloist in numerous works such as Rutter’s Mass of The Children (Singapore premier) with the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with Orchestra of the Music Makers under the baton of Maestro Joshua Kangming Tan and the mentorship of Madam Khor Ai Ming at the prestigious Esplanade Concert Hall. Cheryl is mentored by critically acclaimed Composer and Orchestrator, Ladd McIntosh and presently goes between The U.S, India and Singapore. Visit her artist profile cherylbains.com
Read moreUnderstanding Vedic Mythology
Vedic mythology, rooted in the ancient scriptures of India, encompasses a rich tapestry of narratives and beliefs that have shaped Hinduism and its practices. The Vedas, comprising four primary texts—Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda—serve as the foundational literature of this spiritual tradition.
The Rig Veda is often considered the oldest of the Vedas, containing hymns dedicated to various deities and natural phenomena. The Yajurveda follows as a guide for rituals and sacrifices, providing sacrificial formulas essential for conducting ceremonies aimed at appeasing the gods. Samaveda stands out with its focus on melodies and chants used during rituals. It emphasizes the importance of sound in worship and highlights how music can elevate spiritual experiences. Lastly, Atharvaveda introduces a more practical aspect to Vedic literature by including incantations and magic spells aimed at healing and protection.
Together, these texts not only reflect ancient Indian beliefs but also offer insights into early philosophical thought, societal norms, and religious practices that continue to influence modern Hinduism today.
Gods and Goddesses of the Vedic Period
Vedism is a fascinating polytheistic religion characterized by the worship of numerous male deities and female goddesses, each connected to the sky and various natural phenomena. This rich tapestry of divine figures reflects the cultural and spiritual values of its followers, who seek to understand and honour the forces that shape their world.
Among the prominent gods in Vedism are Indra, the king of gods associated with rain and thunderstorms; Varuna, who governs cosmic order and water; Agni, the fire god symbolizing purity and sacrifice; Rudra, a fierce deity linked to storms; Mitra, representing friendship and harmony; Surya, the sun god embodying light and vitality; Prithvi, personifying earth; Ushas, goddess of dawn bringing new beginnings; Aditi, mother of gods symbolizing infinity; and Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and arts. These deities serve as intermediaries between humans and nature's powerful forces. The worship practices often involve rituals that honour these divine beings through offerings that reflect gratitude for their blessings. The intricate connections between these gods highlight not only their individual significance but also an overarching belief in maintaining balance within nature's cycles.
Exploring the Correlation of Mythology and Indian Music
The engagement of classical music with Indian mythology is a profound and intricate relationship that has flourished over centuries. In Hindustani classical music, various famous compositions often draw upon the rich narratives found in epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Through the use of ragas, musicians skillfully weave together melodies and rhythms to bring to life divine characters, evoke deep emotions, and narrate timeless stories.
Ragas are not merely musical scales; they serve as powerful storytelling tools that embody different moods or 'rasas'. For instance, compositions depicting Lord Krishna and Radha capture the essence of love and devotion through melodic expressions that resonate with listeners. Similarly, the tale of Arjuna is often portrayed in performances where the raga's emotional depth aligns with his internal struggles during the Kurukshetra war.
In Carnatic music, kritis serve as direct invocations or narratives dedicated to gods and goddesses. Renowned composers like Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri have created a vast repertoire of devotional music that encapsulates stories of deities such as Durga and Saraswati. Their works not only celebrate these divine figures but also invite listeners to experience their virtues through melodic storytelling.
This deep intertwining of music and mythology showcases how ragas can transcend mere sound; they become vessels for sharing cultural heritage while evoking a spectrum of emotions associated with India's rich mythological tapestry.
