The world of classical music has lost a veteran with the demise of Carnatic violinist Tiruvarur M. Balam on September 6, 2016. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in musical tradition, Balam was the grand-daughter and disciple of flute and vocal vidwan Azhiyur Narayanaswami Iyer and the cousin of late flute maestro N. Ramani. Born in Tiruvarur, Balam was initiated early into music at age seven, when she began learning from her mother, Saraswathy Ammal and her aunt Sharadambal, Ramani’s mother.
“We used to learn and practise together”, says N. Rajam, sister of N. Ramani. “While she attained proficiency on the violin, my chosen instrument was the mridangam. Even as our classes continued, we began giving concerts together, both as soloists and accompanists from age 11 . After listening to our performances, Professor Sambamoorthi gave us certificates of proficiency in 1952. Around the same time, MLV’s disciple, vocalist Yogam Santhanam made her debut. We gave numerous recitals as a team. After gaining concert experience, Balam obtained her qualification from the Pasumalai Teacher’s Training College. She joined Sri G. Ranganathan Mudaliyar Girls High School, Tiruvarur, as a music teacher, where she taught for several years. In the 1960s, she moved to Madras and joined All India Radio as a staff artist. After 15 years of service, she opted for a voluntary retirement, after which became a teacher in the Singapore Fine Arts. She was then invited to New Jersey, USA, where she stayed as resident teacher for three years. After her return to Chennai, the onset of age-related health problems prevented her from accepting concerts.”
The artist provided violin accompaniment to a host of eminent musicians including the Bombay Sisters, Mani Krishnaswami and T.K. Govinda Rao. Says vidwan P.S. Narayanaswami “She was a co-artist at the AIR. Her music reflected an unswerving commitment to classical values”.
Rajaraman, vice president and trustee, Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Vidwath Samajam says, “Balam was a long-time member of the Samajam and participated in our programmes and gave numerous kutcheris here. She trained many students. Her music always remained true to sampradaya. In recognition of her vidwat, she was honoured with the Gana Kala Siromani award by the Sri Mannargudi Sambasiva Bhagavathar Trust.” N. Balam was also the recipient of the Kalaimamani, Isai Perarasi, Naada Kanal and many other awards.
Pre-deceased by her husband Gopalarathnam, N. Balam is survived by a daughter Vatsala and three sons, kanjira artist Saikrishna, Ramesh and Ravi.
- LALITHAA KRISHNAN
