The Bangalore Broadway Company, our vocal ensemble, is committed to delving into a diverse array of folk and folk-inspired music from across the globe. Our repertoire features renditions of Eastern European, African, Afro-Cuban, Russian, Indian, Ladino folk, and more. With a primary focus on vocal music and harmony, we explore and reinterpret melodies with distinct harmonic structures and rhythmic patterns.
Our purpose is to uphold the tradition of acapella music and serve as stewards of this art form. Bold and experimental, we infuse our performances with our unique artistic vision and creative process. Rooted in exploration, innovation, and cultural exchange, our music often blends elements of folk, contemporary, tribal sounds, jazz, and world music. Characterized by enchanting vocal harmonies and intricate rhythms, our pieces draw inspiration from diverse sources, including traditional folklore and ancestral tales.
“It is our collective mission is to cultivate an environment where everyone, from aspiring beginners to seasoned performers, can partake in extraordinary musical experiences. Our vision for BBC is to traverse a spectrum of musical complexity, from elegantly simple compositions to intricate pieces that evoke a myriad of emotions in our listeners. Through our dedicated rehearsals, we attain a level of proficiency that empowers us to soar onstage like birds in flight.”
Sowmya Raghavan
A singer, entrepreneur, and the founder of BBC, Sowmya thoughtfully curates the group’s music and assumes responsibility for establishing the group’s tone and culture. Her goal is to forge a finely tuned ensemble, fostering a culture of community singing. With a profound sense of musicality, Sowmya gravitates to organic and earthy pieces that mirror the distinctive sound of BBC.
Siddharth Suresh
Another founding member of BBC, Siddharth’s blend of technical prowess and musical sensitivity not only unravels intricate musical challenges but also raises the bar in our pursuit of finesse. With over a decade of experience in diverse genres, particularly jazz and contemporary music, His strength lies in vocal and ensemble arrangement, as well as music composition. A recipient of a Jazz Piano diploma from Swarnabhoomi Music Academy, Siddharth shares his expertise as a music instructor at Bangalore International School, specialising in piano and music theory for middle and high school students.
Anisha Chandy
Anisha Chandy, a seasoned vocalist, commenced her journey in singing and Classical music at the age of 12. Holding a Licentiate Diploma from the Trinity College of London, she has cultivated a diverse repertoire spanning classical and classical crossover genres. Anisha has showcased her talents both solo and collaboratively with various groups. Notably, she has collaborated with renowned figures in the film industry, including AR Rahman and Illaiyaraja . Her passion for languages and world music has led to her association with BBC, marking it as one of her most cherished professional experiences.
Deepa Jacob
Deepa began singing at the age of 7 and has since performed, recorded and toured with some of Bangalore’s top choirs, bands, and musicians. A sultry crooner with a flair for the dramatic, she also occasionally dabbles in the weird and wonderful world of musical theatre. Nothing makes her quite as happy as weaving her voice into an intricate harmonic tapestry — a joy that finds great satisfaction with the Bangalore Broadway Company.
Ketki Herlekar
Ketki Herlekar is a versatile vocalist and vocal coach with certifications from the London College of Music. She has performed in venues across the country with the likes of Capella Bangalore and BBC, as well as sessioned with many Bangalore-based bands across genres for more than a decade. Additionally, she often contributes to the vibrant theatre scene in Bangalore.
Nora Alexy
Nora Alexy has been singing since the age of 8, with roots in western classical music and an 8th grade certification from Trinity College, London. She has performed widely with choirs and choral ensembles across Chennai, such as the Madras Musical Association and Chromatics. College marked the beginning for her love for intricate and complex vocal harmonies, which she continues to dabble in, having recently joined the Bangalore Broadway Company. She is thrilled to be exploring the vocal nuances that come with the group’s repertoire of world folk music.
A day well spent – BBC video shoot at raw staw
Read a little more about our launch
The Bangalore Broadway Company had its humble beginnings in 2017. Established in 2017, the Bangalore Broadway Company was founded by a music enthusiast with a passion for harmony and a knack for unconventional dreaming. With a determined spirit, she embarked on a quest to assemble a diverse group of singers and musicians, resulting in a delightful mix of personalities and talents.
Over the initial 3.5 years, from 2017 to 2020, the group evolved into a dynamic musical production, boasting over 16 members and a variety of instruments. Their repertoire spanned Broadway classics, folk tunes, pop hits, and more—a testament to their versatility and inclusivity. Amidst their musical explorations, they even ventured into scripting their own musical, showcasing their boundless creative ambition.
Their performances featured a mix of influences, from Rajaton to The Real Group, with surprising additions like Tamil film classics and “Highway to Hell.” Despite the diverse repertoire, the group’s cohesive energy and passion earned them recognition and opportunities for ambitious concerts.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 brought their journey to a halt, leading them to adapt to virtual performances. Notably, their rendition of the Nordic Polska gained widespread acclaim through a viral recording, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in challenging times.