Guru- Sathguru Sri Santhananda Swamigal
Nandini feels that she is very fortunate to have received the Blessings and Guidance of her Illustrious Gurus. She owes all her success and says that what she is today is due to the Blessings & Grace of her Spiritual Guru Sathguru Santhananda Swamigal, who has been a beacon of light to her.
Sathguru Sri Santhananda Swamigal
GURU – Sri. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer
Nandini commenced her musical training from her Guru & Grand-father V.Lakshminarayana. It was he who sowed the seeds of fine classical music in her and her sister Dr. M. Lalitha.
Sri. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer - was amulti faceted musician, Vocalist, Violinist, Musicologist, conductor, composer & a techer par excellence. He belonged to a family of musicians. His father, Sri. Vaidyanatha Iyer was proficient in music and used to render the Tiruppugaz-s with devotion, while his mother Smt. V. Brehannayaki was a talented vocalist & a well-known personality. Hisn paternal side belonged to the Mirasdar family, while his maternal side belonged to a VEdic family and were pandits in Sanskrit. His uncle was a good vocalist and was an 'Asthana Vidwan' in the Royal court of Travancore.
Sri. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer
V. Lakshminarayana Iyer had the opportunity of being the disciple of Gopala Bhagavathar (a disciple of Parameshwara Bhagavathar, a chief court musician in the Royal court of Maharajah Swati Tirunal at Travancore), a renowned musician of his times. Lakshminarayana Iyer also learnt music from Sri Harikesanallur Muthiya Bhagavathar for sometime. Apart from singing, Lakshminarayana Iyer used to play the violin. He had a Violin at home and learnt it first by himself i.e., he was self – taught. Later on he learnt from T. Abhiramasundari who was a granddaughter of Vina Dhanammal. He also learnt from Sri Tiruparkadal Srinivasa Iyengar a disciple of Kanchipuram Sri Naina Pillai, the wizard of Layam. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer was a master of rhythm and had a strong sense of Laya. He was adept in all Tala-s. “Prof. Lakshminarayana Iyer was called as “Pancha Nadai Pallavi Lakshminarayana Iyer” since he was adept in Pancha Nadai Pallavi-s”.
He was a very famous teacher and had many students. He trained his daughters, his sons and grandchildren in both Vocal and Violin playing. He has performed the violin in many World Music Festivals of Cal-State University, Whitter College Music Academy of Los Angeles. He was honoured with many awards and titles, chief among them being the `Sangeetha Chakravarthy’ conferred by the
GURUS – Shri. K. Muthuswamy & Smt. M. Subbulakshmi
Nandini is very grateful to her parents – Father: Friend, Philosopher & Guide Sri. K. Muthuswamy, who has been a constant source of inspiration & encouragement to her & to her Guru and Mother Smt. Subbulakshmi Muthuswamy, who has been instrumental in honing her musical talent to perfection. Her parents have been her greatest source of inspiration.
My Parents - Smt. Subbulakshmi Muthuswamy & Sri. K. Muthuswamy
Shri. K. Muthuswamy was born in Madurai and is a multi talented sports person - cricket, tennis, table tennis, carrom, slow and fast cycling. He has won many medals, prizes and awards in these sports. A good batsman, he formed the 4 c's - Chinna Chokikulam Cricket Club and represented Madurai in various sports meet. A voracious and an avis reader, he is an exponent in English Literature, especially the works of William Shakespeare. He is her best critic as well as a friend, philosopher & guide. An arts & a Music Promoter, he founded the Music organisation - Nandi Fine Arts and regularly organises concerts not only in Chennai but also abroad. The 'Sathguru Shrimath Santhananda Award' and the title of 'Nandikeswara Nada Kaladhara' are being presented bt Nandi Fine Arts every year to deserving musicians.
Subbulakshmi Muthuswamy was born on August 22nd to Prof. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer and Smt. L. Seethalakshmi and was trained in South Indian Classical Vocal and Violin by her father Shri. V. Lakshminarayana. She also derived great inspiration from her mother Smt. L. Seethalakshmi who was both a Vocalist and a Vainika. Mrs. M. Subbulakshmi is a well-known vocalist, violinist and music teacher who belongs to a great musical heritage. Being a child prodigy she started performing vocal duet concerts along with her sister Brehannayaki from a very early age. Besides learning Vocal and Violin from her father Shri. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer, she also had her Vocal training from Tiruparkadal Srinivasa Iyengar (a disciple of Kanchipuram Sri Naina Pillai), Ramnad Krishnan (her paternal uncle) and Sangita Pitamaha Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. She also learnt music from Jayamma (daughter of Dhanamma).
She is an `A’ grade artist of the Radio Ceylon and has lent her voice as a play back singer in a few films. She has given numerous concerts in many countries including
GURU – Shri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer
Nandini was very fortunate to be the sishya of the Doyen of Carnatic Music- “Sangeetha Pithamaha” “Padma Vibhushan” Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, who taught her the finer aspects of music & from whom she imbibed the Karnataka Sampradaya Shuddam.
Sangeetha Pithamaha, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer
“Sangeetha Pithamaha” “Padma Vibhushan” Dr. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, one of the greatest Carnatic vocalists of the twentieth century and was born in Tirukkodikaval to Radhakrishna Iyer and Dharmasamvardini Ammal. He lived with his maternal uncle TirukkodikavalKrishna Iyer, a legendary violin maestro and then started learning music from his cousin Semmangudi Narayanaswamy Iyer. He also learnt from Gottuvadyam Sakharama Rao, Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer and Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer. He was the youngest recipient of the Sangeetha Kalanidhi awarded by the Music Academy in and has received many awards including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India, Rajya Seva Nirata from the Maharaja of Travancore, Sangeet Natak Academy award, Raga Ratnakara from the Sringeri Sharada Peetam, Sangita Kalaratna from the Kanchi KamakotiPeetam, Isai Perarignar, Kalidas Samman from Government of Madhya Pradesh. Considered the Pitamaha of modern Carnatic Music he was instrumental, along with Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar, for the bringing to light the works of Maharaja Svathi Tirunal . He served as the Chief Producer of Carnatic music at All India Radio,
GURU – Shri. L. Vaidyanathan
Nandini is grateful to her Guru & uncle Shri. L. Vaidyanathan, who was greatly instrumental in exposing her to different musical genres. It was his tutelage that brought forth the great qualities of musicianship in her.
Shri. L. Vaidyanathan was a child prodigy and was trained in South Indian Classical music by his father Shri. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer. He also learnt Vocal from Sri. G. N. Balasubramaniam. He started giving Violin solo concerts at the age of 8. He has accompanied several leading musicians like Chembai Vaidyanatha Iyer, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, G. N. Balasubramaniam, D. K. Pattammal, Srirangam Iyengar, Alathoor Brothers, Madurai Mani Iyer, Ramnad Krishnan, S. Kalyanaraman, S. Balachander etc. He learnt Hindustani Music from Master Krishnanand and is prolific in Western Classical Music. He performed the Violin Trio along with his brothers L. Subramaniam and L. Shankar and toured all over
He is the recipient of several awards and titles. He received the title of`Kalaimamani’ from the Government of Tamilnadu. He received the Best Music Director Award from the Government of Karnataka for the film `Pushpaka Vimana’ in Kannada. He received the highest award of `Bharata Muni’ from the Andra Pradesh government and was presented the `Kannadasan award’ from Ajantha Fine Arts. Apart from films he has also composed the music for many Dance Ballets, TV serials (the famous Malgudi Days, Tenali, Kanda Puranam), Albums and fusion productions. He has composed several experimental compositions in Carnatic, Western and fusion. He has performed with John Cooper (Piano) and Hinar Holm (Cello) in
GURUS – Dr. L. Subramaniam & Dr. L. Shankar
Nandini has been greatly inspired by her uncles Dr. L. Subramaniam & Dr. L. Shankar, who are globally renowned for their musical genius.
Dr. L. Subramaniam
Dr. L. Subramaniam was trained in South Indian Classical music by his father Shri. V. Lakshminarayana Iyer and started performing at the age of six. He was initially a Vocalist after which he took up to Violin playing. At a very young age, he was honoured with the title of “Violin Chakravarthy” (emperor of the violin). He received the President’s award in the All India Radio Violin Competition at the age of sixteen. He studied medicine, finishing his M.B.B.S at
He is a composer with many works to his credit in the field of South Indian Music, Orchestral works, East-West Fusion, dance ballets and films. Subramaniam has collaborated with Stephane Grapelli, Yehudi Menuhin, Herbie Hancock, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Joe Sample, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Larry Corryel, Tony Williams, Maynard Ferguson, Jean Luc Ponty, Larry Corryel, Billy Cobham, Corky Seagal etc. He has received several awards and honours, including the coveted Padma Bhushan (2001), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for `The Most Creative Artist’ from the President of India, the `Nada Chakravarti’ (Emperor of Sound) from H.H Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji `Best Composer’ (Commission) award from Norway. His names appear in internationally acclaimed reference volumes like the International Who’s who in music, Men of achievement (UK), Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans and Book of Honour to name a few. He has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate (D.LITT) by the
He has composed music for films. Not only is he the most outstanding Indian Classical Violinist, but also an exceptional composer who has established himself as the foremost Indian composer in the realm of orchestral composition. Over the years he has written and created works for the worlds greatest orchestras The New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Zubin Mehta, the Swiss Romande Orchestra; The Kirov Ballet, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; The Berlin Opera. His latest orchestral composition is entitled ‘Astral Symphony’ for full symphony orchestra and soloists from different musical traditions, once again emphasizing the concept of Global Fusion. To commemorate 100 years of the Nobel Peace Prize, an album has been released bringing together the best from music and excerpts from speeches of Nobel laureates. For this project featuring artists from all around the world, Dr. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam were chosen to represent the Asian continent. http://www.indianviolin.com/
Dr. L. Shankar learnt music from is father and formed a part of the Violin trio with his brothers L. Vaidyanathan and L. Subramaniam. He studied vocal from the age of two and violin from the age of five. When he was 7 he gave his first music concert. He has accompanied several veteran artistes on the Violin like Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Alathoor Srinivasa Iyer and performed extensively with Palghat Mani Iyer.He has received numerous awards including the Best Violinist Award from the Madras Music Academy in 1982. He is an `acclaimed virtuoso violinist, singer, composer and producer having sold over ten million albums’. He has a B.Sc in Chemistry and holds a Ph. D in Ethnomusicology from
He is an acclaimed composer, arranger, producer, singer, violinist, performer and has collaborated with some of the greatest musicians including Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, John McLaughlin, Elton John, John Waite, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Yoko Ono, Sting Van Morrison, Stewart Copeland (The Police), Steve Vai, Ginger Baker, Nils Lofgren (E Street Band), Talking Heads, Lou Reed, Marianne Faithful, U2, The Pretenders, Echo & The Bunnymen, John Lydon (Sex Pistols) and Dave Stewart, among many others. Grammy-nominated Shankar has released numerous solo albums and videos in various idioms of music, from Pop / Rock to World Music. Shankar collaborated with Peter Gabriel on the song "Across the River" for the premiere of the Nomad double album Music and Rhythm which included tracks from David Byrne, Pete Townsend, etc.
The rock extravaganza Human Rights Now World Tour in 1988 featured his own group, who were joined in performance by Bruce Springsteen and Peter Gabriel, in addition to several other musicians. In 1993, he completed a long world tour with Peter Gabriel (Secret World Tour), as a special guest, singing and playing violin, besides performing with his own band in several places. The tour ended at the Woodstock Festival in 1994’. He performed for the Concert for Global Harmony and Nelson Mandela's 80th Birthday celebrations. Shankar has worked on many soundtracks included Jacob's Ladder, Jennifer 8, Robin Hood, and the Grammy Award winning and controversial The Last Temptation of Christ, in which he co-wrote 13 of the tracks with Peter Gabriel.www.shenkarworld.com
GURU – Smt. Ramani Bhaskar
Nandini is fortunate to have Smt. Ramani Bhaskar as her Guru. It is from her that she learnt rare compositions of Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar & the art of executing subtle nuances/gamakas.
Mrs. Ramani Baskar – learnt music from a very early age. She had her lessons from Mudikondan Mani a disciple of Mudikondan Venkatrama Iyer. She then learnt from Smt. Abhayamba, a Vina exponent and mother of Smt. Kalpagam Swaminathan belonging to the Sishya Parampara of Sri Muthuswmay Dikshitar. She is an exponent in the rendering of the Kritis of Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar, and learnt them from Sri Kallidaikurichi Mahadeva Bhagavathar and has a vast repertoire of them. Apart from the compositions of the trinity she also has a wide repertoire of the compositions of Maharaja Svati Tirunal.
GURU – Shri. V.S. Narasimhan
Sri. V.S. Narasimhan
Sri. V.S. Narasimhan learnt the Karnatak violin at a very early age from his father V Srinivasa Iyengar, disciple of the esteemed Narayana Iyengar. He was a staff artist on AIR, also proficient in veena and violin. His collection of instruments included a cello. From an early age he trained son Narasimhan to accompany him in concerts on the violin. As a boy, he happened to play in film recording sessions in
