Drawing us in with a brooding and meditative clarinet performance from Ismail Lumanovski, expanding with a dimensional harp riff performed by Kirsten Agresta-Copely, Ratnaraja opens with a high spiritual quotient, and a peaceful intention at the time when we need it the most.
The opus evolves with intrigue and cosmic presence as the two instruments intertwine. We appreciate the instrumental mastery that manifests with astral notes from the harp and clarinet, juxtaposed with the deeper bass notes, creating a cohesive and dynamic tapestry of sound which feels universally aligned and consciously astute.
The depth and range of emotion is tangible, there are Eastern elements that are brought to life, aligning with ancient philosophies and what essentially feels like the original sounds of creation. The clarinet purrs like an “aum”, whilst the harp ripples like the cosmos.
We learn that Ratnaraja was designed for deep listening, mindfulness, and emotional release. The piece transcends genre boundaries with its cross-cultural aesthetic, and is reminiscent of artists like Ludovico Einaudi, Anoushka Shankar, and Ólafur Arnalds.
The composition is part of Kirsten Agresta-Copely’s 2025 album Kuruvinda, a ten-track harp-driven exploration of feminine strength, vulnerability, and transformation. The talented instrumentalist and composer tells us that the record is inspired by personal loss, and embraces imperfection as beauty, guiding us through themes of resilience and introspection.
Kirsten Agresta Copely’s distinguished career spans prestigious solo performances, global collaborations, and soundtrack contributions, showcasing her versatility and continued evolution as an artist. With Kuruvinda, she invites us all, but especially women, to embrace our lived experiences as a source of strength and artistry.
Copley confesses, “This album emerged from a time of deep introspection, when I reflected on the quiet power of authenticity over perfection. Kuruvinda is my way of honoring the tender places that we usually try to hide, and to create a space where flaws feel not only accepted, but beautiful.”
Naturally, we have added Ratnaraja to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the entirety of the album, and anticipate future releases from Kirsten Agresta Copely, and of course, Ismail Lumanovski!