Photo credit: Isabel Kromwyk

In after-school orchestra rehearsals, Malvkia Ganapathy (‘28) practices her part in the song Howl’s Moving Castle on the violin for the upcoming winter concert. Orchestra rehearsals, led by Hannah Murray, take place once a week, every Wednesday. Ganapthy sits second chair in the first violins section. “The community is so tight-knit,” Ganapathy said. “I have really enjoyed being a part of the community and performing twice a year.”

The lights begin to dim and the audience hushes with anticipation. All the clatter and clamor fade away as music streams from the orchestra, the instruments intertwining to play a song. 

Among these orchestra members is Malvika Ganapathy (’28), who has been playing the violin since second grade and is well-versed in performing on stage. At Archer she is a violinist for the upper school orchestra and Bach Street Girls ensembles. Ganapathy is also on the Music Leadership Team as the Bach Street Girls group manager. 

Now in her fifth year with Archer’s orchestra program, Ganapathy said it has been an impactful part of her time at Archer.

“The community is so tight-knit, and I have really enjoyed being a part of the community and performing twice a year,” Ganapathy said. “It’s long and tiring but everyone around you goes through that, and it brings everyone together.”

Beyond school, Ganapathy also participates in recitals at her teacher’s violin studio, performs at CAIS music festival and competes in other music festivals over the summer. While playing, Ganapathy said overall, she feels calm. 

“Sometimes I feel scared, but then once I get into it, it’s a nice experience. It lets me be one with myself,” Ganapathy said. “It also helps me get over my fear of public speaking because I play in front of a lot of people.”

In an email, Ganapathy’s violin teacher, Alexander Kalman, described Ganapathy as a warm, kind, responsible and emotional person. He praised Ganapathy’s skill and said she plays very advanced repertoire for her age and is capable of high-level performances.

Ganapathy said she has faced challenges while mastering new pieces and that some difficulties are perfecting technique and staying committed.

“When I learn pieces and it’s been months and months and I still don’t fully have it together, and my motivation starts slipping,” Ganapathy said. “Then it just becomes harder and harder to put in that final 10% before I perform it.”

Recently, Ganapathy had the opportunity to play in the pit band for the Upper School musical, “Legally Blonde.” 

“It was so good, one of the best experiences I’ve had in terms of music, just being able to be around professionals who are so encouraging, yet they’re so quick to adapt, and they learn the music so quickly,” Ganapathy said.  

Orchestra director Hannah Murray recommended Ganapathy for the role because the pit band was looking for a violinist.

“She’s really talented and works so hard and clearly loves the instrument,” Murray said. “Such a delight to have in ensembles. Very positive, very easy to work with, very solution-oriented. I just think she’s such an asset.” 

Murray has only been at Archer for one year, so she did not witness Ganapathy play as a middle school student. However, she said many of Ganapathy’s peers in orchestra have watched her grow into the violinist she is now.

“One of the other first violinists said, when they joined in middle school together, back in those days, Malvika was seated way behind the student and now we’re in upper school, and Malvika’s seated ahead of them,” Murray said. “They’re like, ‘Whoa, she practices so much.’” 

Ganapathy’s hard work and determination in orchestra influences those around her to work hard, too, Murray said. 

“​​I think just her automatic demeanor of taking it seriously and always being prepared has a ripple effect,” Murray said. “It’s hard to sit by somebody like Malvika and not [think], ‘Ooh, I could practice more. I could be more prepared.’”  

On top of violin, Ganapathy is also passionate about science and participates in the science fair at Archer. Ganapathy’s friend, Sarah Mzoughi (’28), said she has observed her love for STEM and noted how Ganapathy cares a lot about biology.

“I can’t wait to see her in the future continue to go down this path,” Mzoughi said. “I know that the medical field, and the biology field, is something that interests her a lot, and she knows a huge amount of information regarding it because of her passions.” 

Mzoughi said she constantly feels in awe of Ganapathy and that her intelligence and talent are ”jaw-dropping.” 

“She’s very driven, especially when it comes to lengthy projects like science fair or practicing for a recital,” Mzoughi said. “She’s very driven with her orchestra and she’s, again, just a very talented individual.”