Carnatic Classical Vocalist · Canada
About Abesha
A Journey of Devotion, Discipline, and Music
About the Artist
Born into the Language of Ragas
Abesha Umeskumar, a Grade 12 student at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, began her vocal journey at the age of 4 under the tutelage of Smt. Vaaraki Wijayaraj, who laid a strong foundation for her musical growth. At age 6, she expanded her training to violin with Vidwan Dr. Smt. Thanathevy Mithradeva, gaining a deeper appreciation for music through the perspective of an instrumentalist.
Since the age of 8, Abesha has continued her vocal training under the guidance of Vidwan Sri A. S. Murali, whose mentorship has shaped her into the musician she is today. She is also grateful for the training she received from Abilash Giriprasad, which further enhanced her musical talents and sharpened her ability to grasp nuances.
Over the years, Abesha has been blessed with opportunities to perform at temples, festivals, and competitions across North America, where each experience contributed to her growth and artistry. Beyond her musical training, Abesha has been immersed in the Sri Vidya practice through the Sri Vidya Temple of Rochester, NY. Every bhajan at the temple has inspired her to infuse her music with greater soul and bhakti. Guided by her Gurus and the grace of the Devi, Abesha looks forward to continuing singing not merely as an art, but as a lifelong expression of devotion and joy.
"Music is the shorthand of emotion — and in Carnatic tradition, every raga is a universe unto itself."
Guru Parampara
Guru Lineage & Training
Vidwan Sri A. S. Murali
Current vocal guru since age 8
Abesha's musical journey has been shaped by a lineage of dedicated and distinguished gurus. She began under Smt. Vaaraki Wijayaraj, who opened her eyes to the world of Carnatic music. She then studied violin under Vidwan Dr. Smt. Thanathevy Mithradeva, deepening her understanding of the harmony between instrument and voice. Under the teachings of Vidwan Sri A. S. Murali, she continues to be inspired and challenged to push new boundaries within Carnatic music.
Vocal training began
Age 4
Violin training began
Age 6
Current vocal guru
Vidwan Sri A. S. Murali
Spiritual practice
Sri Vidya, Rochester NY
Milestones
The Musical Journey
Vocal Training Begins
Began formal Carnatic vocal training under Smt. Vaaraki Wijayaraj, who laid a strong foundation for her musical growth.
Violin Studies
Expanded her training to violin under Vidwan Dr. Smt. Thanathevy Mithradeva, gaining a deeper appreciation for music through the perspective of an instrumentalist.
Training Under Sri A. S. Murali
Began studying under Vidwan Sri A. S. Murali, whose mentorship has profoundly shaped her artistry and continues to inspire her to push new boundaries in Carnatic music.
Sri Vidya & Bhakti
Immersed in the Sri Vidya practice through the Sri Vidya Temple of Rochester, NY — every bhajan inspiring her to infuse her music with greater soul and devotion.
Performances Across North America
Blessed with opportunities to perform at temples, festivals, and competitions across North America, each experience contributing to her growth and artistry.
Debut Concert — Arangetram
A milestone she has dreamed of her entire life — performing her formal debut concert, guided by her Gurus and the grace of the Devi.
Her Approach
A Message from Abesha
In order to sing with bhakti, you must enjoy your own singing.
— Sri Chaitanyananda
Today is a day I have dreamed of my entire life, and it feels almost surreal that it has finally arrived. I feel truly blessed to practice this art form and even more fortunate to be guided by my Gurus, who have shaped me into the artist and person I am today.
My first Guru, Smt. Vaaraki Wijayaraj, opened my eyes to the world of Carnatic music and its endless possibilities for artistic expression. Under the mentorship of Vidwan Dr. Smt. Thanathevy Mithradeva, I gained a deeper understanding of the harmony between instrument and voice. Now, under the teachings of Vidwan Sri A. S. Murali, I continue to be inspired and challenged to push new boundaries within Carnatic music.
Through their invaluable guidance, my Gurus have nurtured my passion, strengthened my perseverance, and taught me to embrace both the challenges and the joys of this journey. I am also forever thankful to my parents, whose love and encouragement have been my constant source and strength. Today is not the end, but rather just another step toward that ultimate goal.
Musical Range
Repertoire & Specializations
Kritis & Compositions
Extensive repertoire spanning the compositions of Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri, and Papanasam Sivan.
Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi
Trained in the elaborate RTP format — the pinnacle of Carnatic concert performance, demanding deep raga knowledge and improvisational mastery.
Devotional Music
Specializes in temple music including Divya Prabandham, Tevaram, and Sanskrit stotras, making her a preferred vocalist for religious ceremonies.
Light Classical
Performs Tillanas, Javalis, and Padam — the lyrical, expressive forms that showcase the emotional range of Carnatic music.
Invite Abesha to Perform
Bring the Tradition to Your Stage
Abesha is available for temple concerts, cultural festivals, private events, and educational performances across Canada and internationally.