Dr.Ghanavenothan Retnam
Having carved a distinguished niche in Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape, Dr. Ghanavenothan Retnam is a highly respected flautist, educator, and composer. The son of Sri R. Retnam, a pioneer musician and cultural advocate in Singapore, Dr. Ghanavenothan trained under the eminent Pundit M. Ramalingam, whose mentorship laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to Indian classical music.
Over the decades, he has accompanied numerous internationally acclaimed artists and has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across Singapore, India, Europe, and Southeast Asia. His artistry bridges tradition and innovation, earning him acclaim for both his performance and teaching.
In 2024, Dr. Ghanavenothan was conferred the Cultural Medallion of Singapore, the nation’s highest arts accolade, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian classical music and his enduring impact on Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
Over the decades, he has accompanied numerous internationally acclaimed artists and has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across Singapore, India, Europe, and Southeast Asia. His artistry bridges tradition and innovation, earning him acclaim for both his performance and teaching.
In 2024, Dr. Ghanavenothan was conferred the Cultural Medallion of Singapore, the nation’s highest arts accolade, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian classical music and his enduring impact on Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
Some of the many quotes from the Press & Magazine...
… and on this night , the clear , cool music of his flute permeates the concert.
(Sep 1982, The Straits Times, Singapore)
… Ghanavenothan, a promising Singaporean flautist, will provide the special effects…
(Jul 1986, The Straits Times, Singapore)
… Ghana’s bamboo reed and his unmistakable style, bring the music closer to the heart. The sound is fluent and it speaks of dawn in hushed tones.
(Jan/Apr 1992, Hansa Magazine, KL & Singapore)
A Versatile musician, Ghanavenothan Retnam, a well known artiste of Singapore, utilizes his knowledge and insights to promote Indian classical Music…
(Jan 1995, The Aesthetics,, Singapore)
The spirituality of his music evoked a sense of peace and harmony – a befitting opening to the World Religious Conference …
(Jan 1997, The Straits Times, Singapore)
…Ghanavenothan Retnam’s music appeased the Lucknowites….the music was in perfect tandem with the dancers …
(Dec 1999, The Hindustani Times, India)
Praise must go to the music composer Ghanavenothan Retnam (on flute) whose spirited playing added spice to the proceedings …
(May 2003, The Straits Times, Singapore)
The ASEM V performing artists included renowned flautist Ghanavenothan Retnam ...
(Sep 2004, Viet Nam News, Vietnam)
…Charukesi, Retnam’s mesmerizing ethereal solo on flute…
(Jun 2006, The Straits Times, Singapore)
Ghanavenothan evoked heartfelt emotions …with excellent breath control …
(Jun 2006, The Business Times, Singapore)
