Phoenix, Arizona: Indian American teens Adhvik & Yuktha captivate audience with Indian classical debut performances

Phoenix, Arizona: The Indian community in Phoenix, Arizona, was thrilled when Naatyamrutha and Sangeetamrutha Arts presented the debut performances of Indian American children Master Adhvik and Kum. Yuktha. The Herberger Theater hosted a large audience from Phoenix and beyond, witnessing this rare achievement.

In an impressive showcase of musical talent, 15-year-old Master Adhvik Sekkappan, a 12th grader from Phoenix, made his mark in Carnatic music with a remarkable vocal debut. Adhvik, a student at Naatyamrutha and Sangeetamrutha Arts in Phoenix, presented his Carnatic music vocal Arangetram on Sunday, April 20th, 2025, at the Herberger Theater at 10 AM.

Guided by esteemed gurus Sri. Ramesh Kottakota, Ms. Kousalya Potturi, and Smt. Keerthi Suram – Adhvik has nurtured a profound appreciation for this classical art form since he was just 3 years old. He opened the concert with Varnam Viriboni in Bhairavi Raagam, Ata Taalam, composed by Sri Pacchimiriyam Adiappayya.

With unwavering commitment and skill, Adhvik delivered a stunning array of pieces, including Vinayaka Ninnu Vina, Sri Annamarcharya Kirtana Deva Devam Bhaje, Sri Ramadasu Kirtana Bhalira Vairagyamentho, and Govardhanagiri Dhara. His performance was a beautiful combination of technical skill and emotional resonance, captivating the audience.

The grand finale, Pavamana Suthudu, perfectly wrapped up an extraordinary performance, earning Adhvik a resounding standing ovation. Guru Ms.Kousalya remarked that Master Adhvik’s success exemplifies the ability of music to cross boundaries and inspire future generations.

This Carnatic Classical Vocal Ranga Pravesham performance features Sri Mayavaram S Siva on mridangam, Smt Kamchana Sumanasa Ranjani on violin, Sri Aniketh Raman on flute, and Master Varun Shankar on Kanjira & Rhythm Pad. Later that day, Kum. Yuktha Sekkappan, a talented 13-year-old Indian-American dancer from Phoenix, Arizona, showcased her skills in Kuchipudi with an impressive debut Arangetram performance.

Under the mentorship of Guru Smt. Keerthi Suram since she was 6, Yuktha’s hard work and passion were evident in her debut. Her performance, filled with precision and grace, captivated the audience for nearly two hours, culminating in a standing ovation for her emotional Thillana and Mangalam.

Yuktha’s success highlights the significance of dedication and the preservation of traditional art forms. She opened the performance with Tandava Ganapathim and continued with enchanting pieces such as Mamavathu Sri Saraswathi, Dasavatharam, Tyagaraja Keerthana – Sringarinchukuni, Annamayya Keerthana – Alarulu Kuriyaga, Tarangam – Neela megha sareera, Javali – Smara Sundaranguni, Maadu Meikkum Kanne, and Kalinga Narthana Tillana, concluding with Mangalam.

This Kuchipudi Ranga Pravesham performance features Smt.Vidhya Mouli on vocals, Smt Srilatha Prasad Pavani on Nattuvangam, Sri Mayavaram S Siva on mridangam, Smt Kamchana Sumanasa Ranjani on violin, Sri Aniketh Raman on flute, and Master Varun Shankar on Kanjira & Rhythm Pad.

Sri. Anand Kuchibhotla, the president and CEO of Aria University and the founder of SiliconAndhra, attended both Arangetrams, where he commended Master Adhvik and Kum. Yuktha for their impressive performances. He expressed his gratitude to guru Smt. Keerthi Suram and the Phoenix, AZ community for promoting the rich cultural heritage of Indian arts, including Kuchipudi dance and Carnatic classical vocal music.

Ms. Kousalya, a renowned Telugu light music singer and one of the composers behind the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthaanam (TTD) Annamayya Sankeerthanalu initiative, shared fond memories of teaching Carnatic music to Master Adhvik. Sri Venkat Nagam, a foundation board member and former president and chairman of the Telugu Association of Greater Sacramento (TAGS), was present as a guest of honor and awarded TAGS Appreciation Certificates to both Master Adhvik and Kum. Yuktha.

Mrs. Keerthi Suram and Mr. Sekkappan Thiruppathi, the proud parents of Master Adhvik and Kum. Yuktha, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the mentors who are helping their children flourish in their artistic talents and for supporting their impressive debut performances.

Attendees enjoyed delicious, authentic Indian cuisine from nearby eateries. The audience joyfully applauded and supported Master Adhvik and Kum. Yuktha, during the concert and wished them ongoing success in their artistic journeys.