V.V. Subrahmanyam: Violin Concert
Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 8:00pm
Crowell Concert Hall
$20 general public; $15 senior citizens, Wesleyan faculty/staff/alumni, non-Wesleyan students; Free for Wesleyan students and youth under 18.
Visit www.wesleyan.edu/cfa/navaratri for a full listing of events.
One of the finest violinists in classical Karnatak (South Indian) music, Shri. V.V. Subrahmanyam returns to campus for his 80th anniversary concert, nearly 60 years after his first performance at Wesleyan in 1966. He will be joined by his son and fellow violinist Shri. V.V.S. Murari, Shri. Trichy Sankaran on mridangam (double-headed drum), Shri. K.V. Gopalakrishnan on kanjira (frame drum), and Smt. Banu Jaiganesh on tampura (four-stringed harmonic instrument).
Shri. V.V.S. Murari and Shri. K.V. Gopalakrishnan will also both be performing with vocalist B. Balasubrahmaniyan and David Nelson PhD ’91 on mridangam for their 20th annual Navaratri Festival concert featuring the vocal music of South India on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7pm in Crowell Concert Hall. Both Nelson and Balasubrahmaniyan are Adjunct Associate Professors of Music and Global South Asian Studies.
This event is part of the 48th annual Navaratri Festival at Wesleyan.
Navaratri Festival Subscription
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Navaratri Festival Subscription packages include both ticketed performances. For more information please visit the Wesleyan University Box Office.
• Free for Wesleyan students and anyone under age 18
• $17.50 for senior citizens, Wesleyan faculty/staff/alumni, and non-Wesleyan students
• $22 for the general public
Offer ends on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7pm.
PROFILES
A legendary figure in Indian classical music, Naadha Yogi Prof. V.V. Subrahmanyam (violin) is a renowned violin maestro, revered for his captivating performances and contributions to the world of Carnatic music. Born into a musical family, his initial training began under his father, Vadakkencheri Veeraraghava Bhagavathar. Subrahmanyam later honed his skills under esteemed gurus, including Sri. Tripoonithura Narayana Iyer, Chembai Sri. Vaidhyanatha Bhagavathar, and Musiri Sri. Subramanya Iyer. As an outstanding soloist and accompanist, Subrahmanyam has shared the stage with an array of legendary musicians, including Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Chittoor Subrahmanya Pillai, Madurai Mani Iyer, G.N. Balasubrahmanyam, Alathur Brothers, T.R. Mahalingam, M.M. Dandapani Desigar, M.D. Ramanathan, M.S. Subbulakshmi, and D.K. Pattammal. Subrahmanyam’s mesmerizing performances have enthralled audiences worldwide, taking him to prestigious platforms such as the U.S.A. (as the first Indian violinist), United Nations (with Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi), Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Italy, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. Subrahmanyam's remarkable achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including special appreciation from violin maestro Yehudi Menuhin, a mention in Smt. Indira Gandhi's book "Eternal India," UNESCO's first South Indian Instrumental recording, Sangit Natak Academy Award, Kalaimamani, Kerala Sageetha Nataka Academy Award, Naada Yogi from Music Director Illayaraja, and Lifetime Achievement Awards from Cleveland Aradhana and Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego. A prolific author, Subrahmanyam has penned six books, including "Violin Varalaru" (History of Violin), cementing his legacy as a scholar and musician. As Secretary and Vice President of the Classical Musicians' Forum, he has dedicated himself to the welfare of classical musicians. Subrahmanyam's illustrious career spans over seven decades, inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers alike. His tireless passion for Carnatic music has left an indelible mark on the world of Indian classical music.
Carrying forward the revered legacy of his father, legendary musician V.V. Subrahmanyam, V.V.S. Murari (violin) has emerged as a distinctive, thoughtful, and emotive musician in his own right. As a cultural ambassador of India's rich heritage, Murari has captivated audiences worldwide with his extensive performances in prestigious venues across India and abroad, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades. A multifaceted artist, Murari is an entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist dedicated to nurturing young talent. He provides platforms for emerging artists globally, mentoring raw talents to international recognition. His innovative projects bridge classical Indian music with Western classical and jazz, fostering global unity. The special production Carnatic Philharmonic Orchestra blends two classical music systems seamlessly without losing its individuality and premiered at the Cleveland Music Festival in 2015 and in Phoenix, Arizona in 2017. Murari's charitable endeavors support over 600 musicians annually, contributing to various community projects through six music festivals, demonstrating unwavering commitment to giving back and uplifting others. As a guru, he empowers students to harness their imagination, intellect, and creativity, fostering trust and respect. Through his remarkable journey, Murari has become a visionary and philanthropic powerhouse, inspiring a new generation of musicians and performers. His legacy continues to inspire and uplift, cementing his place as a leading cultural ambassador of Indian classical music.
A globally acclaimed percussion virtuoso, scholar, and composer, Dr. Trichy Sankaran (mridangam) is a legendary figure in Indian classical music. As the founding director of Indian music studies at York University, he has bridged Eastern and Western pedagogical styles, inspiring generations of musicians. With six decades of concert experience, Sankaran has performed at major festivals worldwide, including India, South-East Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. He has accompanied top-ranking Indian artists, collaborated in jugalbandhis (duets) with renowned Hindustani musicians, and experimented with diverse ensembles such as Nexus, gamelan, jazz, electronic, African music, and world drums. He has also led his own group, Trichy's Trio. Sankaran's remarkable contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Sangita Kalanidhi (2012) from the Music Academy of Madras, making him the first recipient in the Pudhukkottai tradition. Other notable awards include the President's Award (1958), Sangeeta Choodamani from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Sri Palghat Mani Iyer Award, Mrdanga Kala Shironmani from the Percussive Arts Centre, Bangalore, Vishwa Kala Bharathi from Bharat Kalachar, and Professional of the Year Award from the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Sankaran was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of Victoria, British Columbia in 1998. A prolific author, he has penned two seminal books on the theory and techniques of South Indian classical drumming and the art of konnakkol (solkattu). As a sought-after speaker, Sankaran has contributed to numerous conferences across North America, sharing his expertise in Indian music. His tireless passion for Carnatic music has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
A renowned kanjira and mridangam artist, K.V. Gopalakrishnan’s (kanjira) initial training was under his father K.V.R.S. Mani, and he currently studies under mridangam maestro "Sangitha Kalanidhi" Dr. T.K. Murthy. Honored by the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt as their "Asthana Vidwan," Gopalakrishnan has established himself as a leading percussionist of his generation. His impressive list of awards includes the "Yuva Kala Bharathi" from Bharat Kalachar, "Obul Reddy Endowment Award" from Narada Gana Sabha, "Best Upa-Pakkavadhyam Award" from the Music Academy, and "Madhura Murali Puraskar Award" from Vipanchee during the 82nd birthday celebrations of Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna. Gopalakrishnan has also received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi's "Bismillah Khan - Yuva Puraskar" from the government of India. As a versatile musician, Gopalakrishnan has shared the stage with almost all senior artists as well as up-and-coming stars of today. He has collaborated with legendary music directors Ilayaraja and Vidyasagar, showcasing his adaptability in various musical settings. An "A" Graded Artist of All India Radio, Chennai, in both kanjira and mridangam, Gopalakrishnan has performed globally at numerous international music festivals and concert tours. A skilled mridangam player, he has won the Music Academy's "Best Mrithangist" award three consecutive years, demonstrating his exceptional artistry. His dedication to Carnatic music and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide have solidified his position as a sought-after percussionist. Through his musical journey, Gopalakrishnan continues to inspire and uplift, cementing his reputation as a master percussionist and a cultural ambassador of Indian classical music. His passion for music, combined with his humility and dedication, has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and music enthusiasts alike.
Banu Jaiganesh (tampura) is a devoted disciple of violin maestro Shri. V.V.S. Murari, whose passion for music was rekindled eight years ago. Since then, Jaiganesh has tirelessly pursued her musical aspirations, culminating in her successful arangetram (debut performance) in November 2022. Following this milestone, Jaiganesh has ascended the stages of prestigious events, including the Chennai December Music Festival and Tiruvaiyaru Aradhana. By day, Jaiganesh excels as a Director of Products at Info Gain, showcasing her corporate acumen. Additionally, she serves as Marketing and Branding Director for SaMaa Arts LLC USA and as a board member for Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego, demonstrating her commitment to promoting arts and culture. Jaiganesh's remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering self motivation and dedication, as she effortlessly juggles multiple roles—from corporate professional to family person to devoted music student. Her passion, perseverance, and talent make her a shining example of excellence in both the corporate and artistic worlds.