In what is considered a rare departure from tradition, the Rotary Club of Madras East on Wednesday conferred the Vocational Excellence Award on a couple — accomplished violinist L. Subramaniam and playback singer Kavitha Krishnamurthy — for their efforts in taking Indian music across the world.
The evening turned out to be enthralling for many in the audience, with excerpts from concerts of the musical couple being screened. Ms. Krishnamurthy also accepted the audience’s request to sing a few lines from the popular Hindi song ‘Pyar Hua Chupke Se’ from the movie 1942 – A Love Story , sending the audience into raptures.
Presenting the award that comprised a citation to Mr. Subramaniam and Ms. Krishnamurthy, N. Murali, co-chairman, Kasturi and Sons Ltd., and president of the Music Academy, said Mr. Subramaniam had played a pivotal role in establishing violin as a solo instrument globally.
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Terming him a multi-dimensional musician, Mr. Murali said he explored new genres and expanded the creative space for music, and yet his music had a dominant flavour of the Indian classical.
Lauding Kavitha Krishnamurthy, Mr. Murali said she had carved a niche in playback singing and explored new horizons of music after her marriage to Mr. Subramaniam. On remarks earlier made by Mr. Subramaniam on violins as accompaniments to vocal concerts, he said in Chennai, vocal music is dominant to instrumental music due to the audience’s preference.
Accepting the award, doctor-turned-musician Mr. Subramaniam said his father V. Lakshminarayana was instrumental in his efforts to establish violin as a solo instrument.He narrated his experiences abroad in collaborating with renowned musicians.
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Ms. Krishnamurthy said music was universal and it helped her meet diverse people. “I have learnt from great musicians. I met my husband because of music. It bonds us together,” she said.
Club president N. Sudhakar and other dignitaries also participated in the function.