South Asian American singer, songwriter, and producer Chandrika Tandon has secured the 2025 Grammy Award for her album Triveni in the category of Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. This achievement marks her first Grammy win and her second nomination, further solidifying her presence in the realm of spiritual and healing music.
A pioneering collaboration, Triveni unites Tandon with Grammy-winning South African flutist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese American cellist Eru Matsumoto. The album offers a deeply meditative experience by merging ancient mantras with the calming melodies of flute and cello, effectively bridging different musical cultures and traditions. Reflecting on the power of music, Tandon shared upon receiving the award, “Music is love, music ignites the light within all of us, and, even in our darkest days, music spreads joy and laughter.” She also extended her appreciation to her fellow nominees, adding, “Congratulations to all the other nominees in our category. Thank you for the music, and thank you for each and everyone that creates and supports the music; may all our lives be enveloped in love, light, and laughter.”
For years, Tandon has been integrating Sanskrit chants with Western musical elements, particularly for large choral groups. Her compositions have gained prominence, with performances at distinguished venues such as the World Cultural Festival and Lincoln Center. Additionally, she serves as an Artist in Residence for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City and has been awarded a New York State Council on the Arts grant to compose Sanskrit chant pieces for choral ensembles.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Tandon is also widely recognized as a philanthropist, business leader, and humanitarian. Her efforts are aimed at enhancing human happiness through both music and education. She has released six albums through her Soul Chants Music label and has performed at prestigious locations, including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Times Square, and Washington, D.C.’s National Mall.
Tandon has also made significant strides in the corporate world. She became the first South Asian American woman to be elected partner at McKinsey & Company and later founded Tandon Capital Associates. In addition, she chairs the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation, which supports various philanthropic endeavors. She is a trustee of New York University and chairs the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, contributing extensively to business and community education initiatives.
Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, NYU’s Gallatin Medal, and The Town Hall’s Friend of the Arts Award. These honors highlight her enduring impact as both an artist and a leader dedicated to fostering education and culture through her work.
About Chandrika Tandon
Chandrika Tandon is an acclaimed musician, business executive, and philanthropist devoted to the transformative power of music and education. Through her label, Soul Chants Music, she creates music rooted in ancient traditions that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her work extends across music, business, and philanthropy, inspiring people globally.