Young maestros strike the right notes at NIE Spotlight | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Bigger in scale, richer in talent and grander in rewards, the ninth edition of Times NIE Spotlight, Bengaluru’s biggest inter-school music competition, struck all the right notes as young musicians stole the show with their stunning performances. Hosted in collaboration with the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SAPA) at the state-of-the-art auditorium of Sindhi High School, Hebbal, the event transcended the boundaries of a mere contest, transforming into a grand celebration of discipline, dedication, and an extraordinary display of musical talent.With 1,200 participants representing 350 schools across Classes III and above, the competition unfolded through rigorous preliminary and semi-final rounds spanning seven categories. After fierce competition, 51 talented musicians earned the esteemed opportunity to perform in the finals. The calibre of the performances left such a profound impression on the judges — violin maestro L Subramaniam, singer-songwriter Bindu Subramaniam, and violinist Ambi Subramaniam — that additional prizes were awarded. A series of ties across several categories led to an increase in the number of winners and prizes, culminating in not just one but three grand-prize winners. Each of these distinguished winners received Rs 5,000, a one-year SaPa scholarship (50% off), a gift voucher, a trophy, and a certificate.Addressing the gathering, L Subramaniam welcomed the evolving changes he witnessed, calling it refreshing to hear Carnatic music presented on the harmonica. Drawing parallels with Western instruments such as the clarinet and saxophone that were once introduced to Carnatic music by some maestros, he said, “It was perhaps time for the harmonica to take centre stage.” He urged young musicians to listen carefully to notes while practising and to use a metronome to strengthen melody and rhythm. This will ensure more accurate performances, especially during improvisation, he pointed out.Moreover, he inspired students not to shy away from pursuing music as a career, noting that, despite parental concerns about professional prospects, music can be a demanding yet deeply fulfilling profession, integral to culture and societal formation.Echoing this sentiment, Rachna Sharma, principal of Sindhi High School, Hebbal, described the finals as heartwarming and inspiring. She lauded the young performers’ confidence, composure, and dedication, highlighting an impressive range from soulful classical vocals to dynamic percussion. The performers’ focus, stage presence, and sincerity underscored the countless hours of practice and the steadfast guidance of their devoted teachers and parents.Equally touching was the seriousness with which these young talents approached their craft, blending joy with a profound respect for tradition and the stage. “Events like Times NIE Spotlight nurture confidence, resilience, and a respect for the arts,” she noted.As the final performances drew to a close and the prizes were awarded, the applause resonated, encouraging these young talents to transcend rivalry and celebrate music with unwavering passion.BOX:Winners of Times NIE – SaPa ‘Spotlight’ 2025-2026* Indian Classical Vocal SoloGrade 3 to 6 – Pihuna Mandal, GEAR Innovative International School – GurukulGrade 6 and above – Vibhav Narasimman, Whitefield Global School; Pragya Narasimman, WhitefieldGlobal School*Indian Light Classical Vocal SoloGrade 3 to 6 – Laya Karthik, Gopalan International SchoolGrade 6 and above – Himaja Omkar Dhagamwar, Delhi Public School, Nacharam; PragyaNarasimman, Whitefield Global School*Indian Instrumental SoloGrade 3 to 6 – Sahitya Nadig, The Brigade School, MalleshwaramGrade 6 and above – Sadhana Gowtham, Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Bangalore North;Tejas Kesavamurthy, BVM Global School* Percussion SoloGrade 3 to 6 – Hiranmay G V, Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Bangalore NorthGrade 6 and above – Narain V Hamsagar, Ryan International School, Kundalahalli; Omkarnath R,Edify School, Kanakapura Road* International Music Vocal SoloGrade 3 to 6 – Dyuti Mukund, Sishu Griha Junior SchoolGrade 6 and above – Preshta Dilip, Presidency School, Bangalore South* International Music Instrumental SoloGrade 3 to 6 – Diyarth Rajesh Kumar, National Public School, Silk BoardGrade 6 and above – Johan Joseph Sam, National Public School, Jakkur* Group PerformanceCarmel High School, Basaveshwarnagar – Arohi Shah, Avyuktha Abhiram, Ayush, Manvitha B S,Vaishnavi C, Spandana Ilakal* Grand Prize WinnersOmkarnath R, Edify School, Kanakapura RoadNarain V Hamsagar, Ryan International School, KundalahalliSadhana Gowtham, Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Bangalore North