MENTOR BIOGRAPHY
 | Traditional Skill/Art: Carnatic Vocal (Indian Classical Voice) Years Won: 2026 |
Smitha Chakravarthy is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist, composer, educator, and cultural advocate. With a deep lineage in classical music, she is the granddaughter of the legendary Ganakalanidhi Dr. Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyengar. Her early musical training was shaped by iconic maestros such as Sangitha Kalanidhi Sri R.K. Srikantan, Sri Nellai T.V. Krishnamurthi, Mudikondan Krishnamurthy, and Sri O.S. Thyagarajan, grounding her in a rich tradition of Carnatic music.
Smitha gained prominence in India as part of the acclaimed “Chakravarthy Sisters” duo, performing at renowned sabhas such as the Swati Thirunal Sangeetha Sabha, Chembai Memorial Trust, and various cultural festivals across India. Her musical journey is marked by her commitment to preserving tradition while embracing innovation, both as a performer and educator.
After moving to the U.S., Smitha continued to dedicate herself to the advancement of Carnatic music. She serves as the Director of Music at Portland Balaji Vidyalaya, where she has been teaching for over 12 years. Under her leadership, the school’s annual event has grown into one of the most coveted celebrations of music in the region, bringing together over 150 participants from various schools for performances that showcase the depth and diversity of Indian classical arts.
Smitha’s role as an educator extends beyond her school. She currently mentors more than 80 students in both vocal and percussion disciplines, nurturing the next generation of musicians. Additionally, she is a patron of the arts, sponsoring musicians from India to perform in the U.S., conducting concerts and lecture demonstrations that highlight the evolution of Carnatic music and contribute to the local community’s understanding of the art form.
Smitha is also a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer. Her advanced training with Sri Nattuvan Paramasivan and ongoing studies under Guru Shivagami Vanka reflect her holistic approach to the arts. Her fluency in multiple Indian languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Hindi, enables her to offer a broad, culturally rich education to her students.
In parallel to her artistic career, Smitha holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Portland State University and serves as a Senior Director at Intel Corp. She seamlessly integrates her corporate leadership with her passion for the arts, embodying a rare blend of technical expertise and artistic excellence.
Smitha’s contributions to the Portland arts scene have made her a vital cultural figure. Her efforts in promoting Indian classical music, supporting fellow artists, and nurturing young talent have left a lasting impact, enriching both the local and broader musical communities.
APPRENTICE BIOGRAPHY
 | Aditi Atreya Traditional Skill/Art: Carnatic Vocal (Indian Classical Voice) Years Won: 2026 |
Carnatic music allows Aditi Atreya to connect with and learn from renowned artists from India. Engaging with these talented individuals, who are so deeply dedicated to this art form, has been a constant source of inspiration for her. Atreya shares, "Music has become a powerful connector in my life, allowing me to meet and bond with people who share the same love and enthusiasm for this tradition. Through this shared passion, I've built meaningful relationships and a sense of community with others who appreciate the rich heritage and storytelling that Carnatic music embodies."
Q&A WITH THE MENTOR ARTIST
I am deeply rooted in two traditional South Indian classical art forms: Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance.
Carnatic music, with its intricate ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles), is one of the oldest systems of music in the world and is often performed in both formal and cultural settings. Bharatanatyam, similarly, is an ancient dance form that combines expressive movements, rhythmic footwork, and storytelling through intricate hand gestures (mudras) and facial expressions.
This apprenticeship project will have a significant impact on the broader cultural community by fostering the preservation and promotion of traditional Carnatic music. By nurturing Aditi's growth and deepening her understanding of this classical art form, the project contributes to the continuity of a rich musical heritage that has been passed down through generations. As Aditi develops her skills and becomes more confident in performing, she will not only share her talent through concerts but also inspire younger generations to appreciate and engage with Carnatic music.
I have been fortunate to showcase my music at renowned locations such as Swati Thirunal Sangeetha Sabha, Chembai Memorial Concerts in Kerala, Malleswaram Sangeetha Sabha, and Rama Seva Mandali in Karnataka, as well as at TTD Nadaneerajanam and TTD Brahmotsavams in Andhra Pradesh, to name a few. Since moving to the U.S., I have not only continued this tradition of performance but have also embraced teaching. In the Portland Northwest, I've had the privilege of performing and presiding at esteemed venues like Kalakendra Portland, Portland Thyagaraja Aradhana, HECSA Portland, and many others.
For my contributions to advancing music, arts, and culture, I have received numerous honors, including an Award of Appreciation from Sankara Drumming School for my training of many percussionists in the art of accompanying, as well as the Award for Outstanding Performance from Portland Thyagaraja Aradhana. Additionally, I was honored with the Sangeetha Samrat Dron(e)Acharya Award, recognizing my students who excelled by winning two of the three categories at a music competition judged by professional artists from India. I also received the community-nominated PDX Hero Award for my efforts to promote music education during the challenging times of COVID.