Prasant Radhakrishnan is a versatile saxophonist identified with both the South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and Jazz disciplines. He received initial training from veena vidwan, Mrs. Vijaya Prabhakar. Prasant started learning Carnatic music on saxophone under the able guidance of his guru, "Padmashri" Kadri Gopalnath, in 1996. He underwent rigorous training during summers in India, and soon began accompanying his guru in concerts and performing solo.

Not limited by genres, Prasant has also been greatly influenced by the Jazz tradition. As a musical mind trained in two traditions, Prasant recently founded Vidya, a group which is a true combination of Carnatic music and Jazz. Vidya will be the liason between the Jazz and Indian classical music world, and a vehicle to introduce these traditions to new listeners.

With a bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California, Prasant continues to draw on his diverse background to contribute to his music. Just after arriving from the summer Freeman Fellowship in Tokyo, Japan, Prasant was awarded the prestigious Senior Performing and Creative Arts Fellowship by the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS). From June 2004-March 2005, as an AIIS senior fellow, Prasant undertook deeper study of Carnatic music and theory under several famous Carnatic music masters while innovating new saxophone techniques and traveling all over India giving concerts and lecture demonstrations. Prasant's new CD, Duality is a reflection of his work during the fellowship and he hopes to utilize his performing and teaching approaches to benefit enthusiasts and newcomers all over the world.

As part of an ongoing goal, Prasant strives to put to rest misconceptions and preconceived notions about the use of saxophone in Carnatic music. Through his continued study of tradition, constant innovation and performance on the saxophone, Prasant is creating a new path for the future of Carnatic music and Jazz.