(This is the fourth in a series on pakka vadhyam and upa pakka vadhyam artists without whom a concert is not complete.)
Artist: N. RAMAKRISHNAN
Instrument- Mridangam
On his training
Harihara Sharma was my first guru. Later, I started taining under his son and noted ghatam vidwan T.H.Vinayakaram. After he became busy with commitments abroad, I joined his brother and ghatam vidwan T.H.Subhash Chandran for further training.
Your role during the Season
This is my 21st year in the Season. I have to alternate between dance programmes and music concerts. The styles for both these genres are totally different although the instrument I use is the same. I practice a lot to excel in both genres. The experience gained in one genre contributes for the improvement in the other.
Your comments on the current Season
It is exciting. The number of sabhas have grown exponentially. There were days when we used to eagerly wait for calls for concerts. The system is totally different now. Presently, it is a festive time for vidwans. Everyone gets to perform. Big or small, a stage is very important for a vidwan and each concertadds to your experience, irrespective of the slot.
Artist: TIRUNANGUR T.G. MUTHUKUMARASWAMY
Instrument: Thavil
Tell us about yourself
T.K.Govindarajan, my father, is my guru. He taught me everything. However, I consider all the seniors and doyens who have played before and are playing now also as my teachers. I have enriched my performances by listening to them.
You don't prefer to stay in Chennai during the Season
I have been travelling to Chennai for Season concerts from my village Tiruppungur, near the famous Vaitheeswaran Koil. It is really tough to do that every time there is a concert but staying in Chennai for only a few concerts is also not economically viable. And this year, I have not accepted many concerts due to my son’s wedding except for the one at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha.
Your take on the current Season
During the few days I stay in Chennai before and after my schedule, I try to attend as many concerts as possible.I love the way things unwind during the Season.
Artist: Trivandrum D. Rajagopal
Instrument: Ganjira
Tell us about your training
I learnt the basics from my father. He was a staff artist of All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram, for almost 30 years. Later, I started training under Trivandrum R. Vaidyanathan in both mridangam and ganjira. I am a graded artist of All India Radio in both the streams.
Your take on the Season
I have been part of this grand festival since 1998, playing for vidwans. The youngsters who were on stage in 1998 are today on top of the charts and it is so heartening to see them there. Thanks to all of them, this festival is now on the map of international music festivals.
On performing during the Season
I consider myself blessed to perform on platforms that have been graced by several stalwarts over the years. The standard each vidwan has set for himself has only gone up with each passing year. It is really a good sign for Carnatic music.
