At the Darbar Festival 2023 held at the iconic Barbican, the celebrated Carnatic vocal duo Ranjani and Gayatri presented a soul-stirring lecture demonstration titled Poetry of the Saints." With grace, reverence, and deep musical insight, the sisters delved into the spiritual and poetic essence that underpins Carnatic music, focusing on the revered saint-poets whose works continue to guide the tradition. They spoke in depth about Saint Tyagaraja, often considered one of the "Trinity of Carnatic Music" alongside Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri. Revered not only for his musical genius but also for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, Tyagaraja composed thousands of kritis that beautifully blend lyrical poetry with melodic intricacy and philosophical depth. The sisters shared how his life of simplicity and spiritual dedication serves as a model for generations of musicians. Alongside Tyagaraja, they highlighted the contributions of Purandara Dasa, hailed as the ‘father of Carnatic music,’ Annamacharya, known for his prolific Telugu compositions, and Mirabai, whose bhajans transcend regional boundaries. Through thoughtful narration and exquisite renditions, Ranjani and Gayatri brought the poetry of these saints vividly to life, reminding the audience how Carnatic music remains a living, breathing tradition — deeply devotional, richly poetic, and timeless in its appeal.

Featuring:
- Ranjani (Carnatic vocalist)
- Gayatri (Carnatic vocalist)