Vani Sateesh hail's from a family of musicians going back many generations. Her Great Grandfather belonged to Bhagavata Parampara of Vijaya Dasaru, a prominent Haridasa of Karnataka. Her Grandfather, Bellary M. Raghavendrachar was musician well versed in many disciplines of music. He was a professor of music at Queen Mary's College in Chennai. Besides being a vocalist, he was well versed in Violin, Veena and Jalatarang. He has taught many notable musician of his generation including Jagadguru Sri. Shivakumara Swami.
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15/12/2019.
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Vani Sateesh is a well known Carnatic Classical vocalist. She belongs to a family of brilliant Musicians. News papers and critics across the world have praised her as a brilliant musician. Vani graduated from Fine Arts College, University of Mysore with a Masters Degree in music securing first rank and few gold medals. She is an "A" graded artist of All India Radio, "B High" graded composer, recipient of National Scholarship for young artists and a National award winner of All India Radio.
Vani Sateesh had her initial training from her uncle Bellary M Sheshagiri Achar, a genius musician and a Vaggeyakara. She continued her training under her father Sangeetha Kalaratna Bellary M. Venkateshachar and later under her brother Bellary M. Raghavendra. She is currently under the tutelage of Padma Bhushana, Sangeeta Kalacharya Sri. P.S. Narayana Swamy, an eminent teacher in Carnatic Music, a direct disciple of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.
Vani Sateesh, as a performer is endowed with a melodic voice and an excellent tonal quality. She instinctively communicates the essence of her talent to the audience with grace and effortless ease. In her music, one can see Carnatic style in its pristine purity and will get easily absorbed by her powerful and soul touching performance. Vani has been performing since the age of 10. She has performed in many major sabhas and festivals throughout South India and abroad. She has done many concert tours in North America. She has also been featured in AIR Sangeetha Sammelan, South Zone Doordarshan Prime Telecast and many TV Channels.
Vani Sateesh lived in USA for 15 Years and fulfilled an important role in the Indian community as a music teacher. Indian children born in US needing a link to Indian music and culture, she was able to provide it to hundreds of them through her teaching. During her stay in US, Vani taught over 150 students in a span of 15 years. Many of them have reached proficiency and a few have pursued to become concert artists. Vani started an organization 'VISHESHA', organized many concerts and events promoting Indian classical music. She has performed extensively all over North America including numerous Jugalbandi concerts with leading Hindusthani musicians. She has several CD albums to her credit.
Vani is currently based in Bangalore.
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Vani Sateesh hail's from a family of musicians going back many generations. Her Great Grandfather belonged to Bhagavata Parampara of Vijaya Dasaru, a prominent Haridasa of Karnataka. Her Grandfather, Bellary M. Raghavendrachar was musician well versed in many disciplines of music. He was a professor of music at Queen Mary's College in Chennai. Besides being a vocalist, he was well versed in Violin, Veena and Jalatarang. He has taught many notable musician of his generation including Jagadguru Sri. Shivakumara Swami.
Vani Sateesh's father, Vidwan Bellary. M. Venkateshachar is a well known carnatic classical vocalist and her uncle Bellary M Sheshagiri Achar was a great Vaggeyakara (composer of lyrics and music) besides being a spirited performer. Vani's uncle and father were well known as 'Bellary Brothers'. Her father was a staff artist at AIR Mysore and has been a recipient of many awards including the prestigious Sangeetha Kalaratna from Bangalore Gayana Samaja and Karnataka Kalashree, a state recognition.
Vani's eldest brother Bellary M. Raghavendra is a program executive in All India Radio and well known vocalist. Her elder brother M. Gururaj is an All India Radio staff artist in Bangalore and an active performer as a percussionist.
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"A" grade artist of All India Radio in Carnatic Classical Vocal
“A” grade in Devaranama
“A” grade in Sugama Sangeetha (Light Music)
"B High" Graded Composer of All India Radio
Recipient Central Government Scholarship for Young Artists - In Pallavi Singing
Gold Medalist in Bachelors and Masters of Music
Best Vocalist from Gayana Samaja
First rank in Music Board Exam
Featured in Radio Sangeeth Sammelan
Featured in South Zone Prime TV Telecast
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Vani Sateesh is a passionate teacher. She started teaching when she was a teenager; basically teaching many of her father's students, when he could not attend to them.
During her stay in US, Vani realized that she could fulfill an important role in the Indian community as a music teacher. Indian children born in US need a link to our music and culture and she was able to provide it to hundreds of them by teaching Carnatic music. Vani with husband Mysore Sateesh, a professional Violinist, taught over 150 students in a span of 15 years. Many of them have reached proficiency and a few have pursed to become concert artists. They also started an organization named after Vani uncle's mudra, 'VISHESHA'. Under 'VISHESHA', they organized many successful concerts until moving back to India.
Since moving back to India, Vani Sateesh has focused more on performing. She plans to resume teaching at a later stage in her career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vani Sateesh has been fortunate and blessed to have had great gurus who have influenced every aspect of her musical abilities. Her initial training was under the tutelage of her uncle Bellary M. Sheshagiri Achar, later from her father Sangeetha Ratna (conferred by Bangalore Gayana Samaja) Bellary M. Venkateshachar and her brother Bellary M. Raghavendra. She is currently under the tutelage of Padmabhushana Sri P.S.Narayanaswamy, direct disciple of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.
5.1. Bellary Brothers : Bellary M. Sheshagiriachar. Bellary M. Venkateshachar
Born and brought up in Bellary (part of North Karnataka), the two brothers became well known as Bellary brothers. They performed extensively in major sabhas across the nation in 1950’s and 1960’s. People who have listened to their music during their hay days recall it as ‘Innovative, spontaneous, intense performance filled with rich classicality and soul touching devotion’. It is unfortunate to the world of music that very few of these concerts were recorded for posterity. Bellary Brothers were accompanied in numerous concerts by stalwarts such as Palghat Mani Iyer, Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, Palghat Raghu, T. K. Murthy, M.S. Gopalakrishnan, Umayalapuram Shivaraman, T. N. Krishnan, Karaikudi Mani etc.
Bellary M. Sheshagiriachar was a vaggeyakara (one who composes both music and lyric) of high repute. He has composed over 400 compositions. One of the notable aspects of his compositions was, circumstance driven and spontaneous, even having composed in languages that he did not know. He has composed varnams, kritis and devotional songs in 5 different languages. He lost his voice at his peak due to vocal chord paralysis. Inspite of this setback he continued to perform and teach. He was an inspiring teacher who has produced many performing artists and taught music for over 30 years. He was a reader in Bangalore University music department. Unfortunately, he passed away at an early age of 50 leaving an ocean of music for laymen listeners and music connoisseurs.
Bellary M. Venkateshachar, elder of the two was an AIR artist in Mysore. He was endowed with a rich and sonorous voice. He has done a great service to the field of music by having taught hundreds of students over a period of 50 years. Many of them are well known musicians around the globe. Besides being asthana Vidwan of many institutions, he has received numerable awards and recognitions. ‘Sangeetha Kalaratna’ awarded by Bangalore Gayana Samaja, ‘Sangeetha Vidyanidhi’ awarded by Mysore JSS Sabha and Karnataka State award ‘Sangeetha Kalashree’ are a few to name. He is an A Top ranking artist of All India Radio.
A well known artist and teacher from Karnataka, Bellary M Raghavendra is an A graded artist of All India Radio. He had his music training under his father Sangeetha Kalaratna Bellary M. Venkateshachar and his uncle Bellary M. Sheshagiriachar. He has performed extensively throughout the nation. He is well known in delivering compositions with clarity, emotion and good use of rhythmic patterns.
Raghavendra is a dedicated music teacher who has a rare ability to identify and groom music students based on their individual strengths. In addition to being a vocalist, he is well versed in Konnakkol (Solfas) and Morsing. He has learnt Hindustani music and also performed jugalbandis with eminent Hindustani vocalists. Raghavendra has presented numerous illustrative talks and demonstrations on music. He has toured Europe and Canada along with TAS Mani Ensemble.
He is currently a program executive in All India Radio, producing music based programmes such as Aaswaada (programme on music appreciation), Swarasangama (programme on music lessons) and many musical features, which are highly popular among music lovers and general public.
Born on February 24, 1934, at Konerirajapuram, to Dr. P. N. Subramaniam, a medical practitioner, Pichai exhibited his talent in music at a very tender age and his parents put him under Thirupampuram Somasundaram Pillai, a nagaswaram vidwan, for his music lessons. PSN made rapid progress and later came under Sangitakalanidhi Mudikondan Venkatarama Iyer, and then under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Under the gurukulavasa system, he joined Semmangudi in the early 1950s. PSN had started giving concerts, both public and through All India Radio, at the age of 15.
Blessed with a powerful voice, Narayanaswami absorbed the special aspects of the music of all stalwart musicians of the last century, carving out a style of his own, even though the Semmangudi style was clearly perceptible in his renditions. As his voice responded very well to fast tempo music, his style became `briga' oriented. He has had the privilege of being accompanied by stalwarts of the last century.
PSN's own students, who have made a significant mark on the concert platform, comprise a large number. This list consists of not only vocalists but also violinists and other instrumentalists. PSN served All India Radio, Chennai, as a conductor of the Vadya Vrinda, and he is accredited with a number of symphonies. Setting to music a number of compositions is another aspect of his musical virtuosity. `Tiru Arutpa' was set to music by him and this was presented by him at a recent conference of the Music Academy, along with his students.
Narayanswami has been the recipient of many awards and titles. He received the title, `Bala Gana Kala Rathnam' when he was just 12 years old. In 2000, he was conferred the title, `Sangeetha Kala Acharya' by the Music Academy. The `Padma Bhushan' awarded to him by the Government of India, comes as a crowning glory
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The three-day thematic concerts by musicians from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, which was organised by Sarvani Sangeetha Sabha at Infosys Hall, began with a talk by Dr. Pappu Venugopala Rao on the compositions and speciality of three Telugu composers -- Bhadrachala Ramadas, Toomu Narasimhadas and Sadasiva Brahmendra.
BRVS Pavan Kumar Charan of Vizianagaram presented a vocal concert based on the works of these composers. Pavan Kumar’s robust voice which can traverse the three octaves effortlessly, is his strength.
He began with Toomu Narasimhadas’s ‘Meluko Sugunavala’ in Bowli. The repertoire included ‘Gayathi Vanamali’ (Hamsadhwani), ‘Pibare Ramarasam’ (Chakravaham), ‘Nihare Nahin’ in Valaji and ‘Ikshvaku Kula Thilaka’ in Yadukulakhambodi. The main item was ‘Ennaganu Rama Bhajana’ in Pantuvarali by Bhadrachala Ramadas.
Most of the kritis of these composers are often used as tail-end pieces. Pavan Kumar’s rendition cannot be flawed. However, he could not elevate the concert to the level to a traditional one as his presentation was sans alapana or swaras. Even the singular elaboration of Pantuvarli moved on an easy peripheral approach and vocal demonstration. Similarly, the niraval and swaras followed on ‘Ramachiluka’ sounded more like a medley and ended up in an abrupt korvai. With a powerful voice like his, Pavan Kumar needs to put in more effort to express his manodharma.
The accompanists always take the cue from the vocalist. B.Ananthakrishnan (violin) and Guru Raghavendra (mridangam) followed the frothy touch of the main artist.
“Since the concert is meant to highlight the importance of the compositions, I will keep my raga essays and swaras precise,” said Vani Sateesh before her recital on Purandara Dasa kritis. A laudable view, indeed. However, Vani did not give the raga essays or swaras just a go by. Her articulation of Sankarabharanam and Purvikalyani testified her musical wisdom. Another commendable aspect was that she not only gave a brief introduction about Purandara Dasa, but also explained the profound meaning of the kritis she had chosen. ‘Sripathiyu Namage’ in Sri, ‘Rama Mantrava Jabiso’ in Kanada, ‘Rama Rama Yenilo’ in Vasantha and the central ‘Manava Janma Doddadu’ in Purvikalyani were good selections.
Vani added a couple of other items; one on Purandara Dasa by her guru and musician Bellari Seshagiri Achar in a rare raga, Hradini, with a vibrant chittaswaram, and a weighty composition in Sankarabharanam by Kanakadasa.
Vani’s vocal chords are powerful and her presentation was brimming with confidence. Anayampatti G. Venkatasubramaniam on the violin, B. Ganapathyraman on the mridangam and G. Chandrashekara Sarma on the ghatam proved good accompanists throughout.
If one closes one’s eyes and listens to the music, one would believe the voice belongs to a of a well trained singer. Master S. Mahadevan, the teenager from Thiruvananthapuram, is conversant in playing the veena and the violin, besides being a singer. He is a student of Parasala Ponnammal.
Mahadevan focussed on Maharaja Swati Tirunal’s kritis. His selection – ‘Jagadeesa Sada Mamava’ in Natakurunji, ‘Paripahi Madhava’ in Mohanam (with niraval and swaras) and the main piece ‘Paripalaya Sarseeruha’ in Pantuvarali -- illustrated the youngster’s ability to present ragas and swaras in the right perspective.
Mahadevan’s composure was another favourable point. He showed signs of becoming a vocalist with a strong sense of melody. His performance was encouraged by Thiruvananthapuram N. Sampath on the violin, Udipi Sridhar on the mridangam and Thiruvananthapuram K. Rajesh on the ghatam.
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Carnatic vocalist Vani Sateesh’s excellent tonal quality, soulful renditions and creative exposition of the ragas make for a good listening experience
Vani Sateesh is steeped in the fervour of Carnatic music. One of the striking features of her home is the collection of tanpuras adorning every corner; some of which have seen several generations in the family. They stand as regal testimony to the rich musical heritage bequeath to her and to her passionate endeavour to preserve, nurture and pass it on to the future generations.
Even as an infant, Vani spent hours plucking the strings and intently imbibing the swaras. Her innate musical talent was recognised first by her brother Bellary M. Raghavendra. Her father and uncle, the famous Bellary Brothers, had already established a niche for themselves as vocalists and hence her formal training began under her uncle Bellary M. Sheshagiri Achar. Her father Bellary M.
Venkateshachar and others in the family groomed her into an outstanding vocalist. “I cannot thank enough nor express how grateful I am to my family”, she fondly remembers, “No matter how well I may have sung, if it were not for the encouragement and faith that my family vested in me, I may not have realised my potential as a singer”. Realise she did, and went on to complete her bachelors and masters in Music from Mysore University winning gold medals in both.
It was during her college days that she had one of the greatest challenges as a singer – “One morning I received a call from an organizer, requesting if I could learn five new compositions by evening and perform, since the intended artist could not show up. Without a moment’s hesitation, I replied that I could. I never doubted that I may not have the capability to do it on a short notice. I learnt the compositions and performed that evening.” To young Vani, this incident was a revelation to what could be achieved if one was devoted to the art.
The hallmark of Vani Sateesh as a singer is the exuberance that she creates through her music. Her excellent tonal quality, soulful renditions coupled with lucid diction and creative exposition of the ragas has augmented her art into a spiritual experience not only for herself but for her listeners too. “Music is ‘Naada Yoga’ for me. It is a medium for me to understand, explore and realise myself as well as the divine that is inherent within me. Whether am singing on the stage, or at home; while teaching or practicing, there is no difference in how I feel. While am still far from becoming a ‘Naada Yogi’, I can definitely say that ‘Naada’ is the most important thing in my life. Everything around me speaks to me through Naada.” And to this, Vani has dedicated herself. During the 15 years that she spent in US, she has groomed several young talents in the nuances of Carnatic music and continues to do so in Bangalore. “I truly believe that music cannot be curtailed into the dogmas of rigid structures of teaching. When the student can experience the richness of the joy that this art can provide, they will definitely come forward to learn more and naturally develop an inclination towards music. They may initially need the push or even a competitive bent of mind to pursue music. But fame or wealth cannot become their guiding factors.”
One of the unique aspects of her renditions is her varied choice of compositions and ragas, many seldom heard. “My performance is a platform for me to share the happiness I feel when I sing. I may choose a popular composition or an intricate one, but I would perform them because it gives me immense joy and I want my audience to feel that too!” A passionate teacher, a disciplined student (currently training under Padmabhushan Sri. P.S. Narayana Swamy), a positively joyous personality, a singer par excellence – Vidushi Vani Sateesh is a holistic person. Her husband, violinist Sateesh has been a pillar of support in her musical journey. Vishesha Fine Arts is a manifestation of their dream to forward the cause of Indian music. Started with the support of renowned musicians such as the Mysore Brothers, and Jayshankar from Brigade, Vishesha Fine Arts, has been striving to promote music and musicians from various genres. Vani Sateesh imbues her music with the same sincerity that reflects in her personality. And this has endeared her to the hearts of music lovers.
THE END.
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15/12/2019.
Vani Sateesh - Carnatic Classical vocalist
=======================================================================1. Short biography :
Vani Sateesh is a well known Carnatic Classical vocalist. She belongs to a family of brilliant Musicians. News papers and critics across the world have praised her as a brilliant musician. Vani graduated from Fine Arts College, University of Mysore with a Masters Degree in music securing first rank and few gold medals. She is an "A" graded artist of All India Radio, "B High" graded composer, recipient of National Scholarship for young artists and a National award winner of All India Radio.
Vani Sateesh had her initial training from her uncle Bellary M Sheshagiri Achar, a genius musician and a Vaggeyakara. She continued her training under her father Sangeetha Kalaratna Bellary M. Venkateshachar and later under her brother Bellary M. Raghavendra. She is currently under the tutelage of Padma Bhushana, Sangeeta Kalacharya Sri. P.S. Narayana Swamy, an eminent teacher in Carnatic Music, a direct disciple of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.
Vani Sateesh, as a performer is endowed with a melodic voice and an excellent tonal quality. She instinctively communicates the essence of her talent to the audience with grace and effortless ease. In her music, one can see Carnatic style in its pristine purity and will get easily absorbed by her powerful and soul touching performance. Vani has been performing since the age of 10. She has performed in many major sabhas and festivals throughout South India and abroad. She has done many concert tours in North America. She has also been featured in AIR Sangeetha Sammelan, South Zone Doordarshan Prime Telecast and many TV Channels.
Vani Sateesh lived in USA for 15 Years and fulfilled an important role in the Indian community as a music teacher. Indian children born in US needing a link to Indian music and culture, she was able to provide it to hundreds of them through her teaching. During her stay in US, Vani taught over 150 students in a span of 15 years. Many of them have reached proficiency and a few have pursued to become concert artists. Vani started an organization 'VISHESHA', organized many concerts and events promoting Indian classical music. She has performed extensively all over North America including numerous Jugalbandi concerts with leading Hindusthani musicians. She has several CD albums to her credit.
Vani is currently based in Bangalore.
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2. Lineage :
Vani Sateesh hail's from a family of musicians going back many generations. Her Great Grandfather belonged to Bhagavata Parampara of Vijaya Dasaru, a prominent Haridasa of Karnataka. Her Grandfather, Bellary M. Raghavendrachar was musician well versed in many disciplines of music. He was a professor of music at Queen Mary's College in Chennai. Besides being a vocalist, he was well versed in Violin, Veena and Jalatarang. He has taught many notable musician of his generation including Jagadguru Sri. Shivakumara Swami.
Vani's eldest brother Bellary M. Raghavendra is a program executive in All India Radio and well known vocalist. Her elder brother M. Gururaj is an All India Radio staff artist in Bangalore and an active performer as a percussionist.
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3. Few Highlighted Recognitions :
"A" grade artist of All India Radio in Carnatic Classical Vocal
“A” grade in Devaranama
“A” grade in Sugama Sangeetha (Light Music)
"B High" Graded Composer of All India Radio
Recipient Central Government Scholarship for Young Artists - In Pallavi Singing
Gold Medalist in Bachelors and Masters of Music
Best Vocalist from Gayana Samaja
First rank in Music Board Exam
Featured in Radio Sangeeth Sammelan
Featured in South Zone Prime TV Telecast
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4. As a teacher :
During her stay in US, Vani realized that she could fulfill an important role in the Indian community as a music teacher. Indian children born in US need a link to our music and culture and she was able to provide it to hundreds of them by teaching Carnatic music. Vani with husband Mysore Sateesh, a professional Violinist, taught over 150 students in a span of 15 years. Many of them have reached proficiency and a few have pursed to become concert artists. They also started an organization named after Vani uncle's mudra, 'VISHESHA'. Under 'VISHESHA', they organized many successful concerts until moving back to India.
Since moving back to India, Vani Sateesh has focused more on performing. She plans to resume teaching at a later stage in her career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5, GURUS :
Vani Sateesh has been fortunate and blessed to have had great gurus who have influenced every aspect of her musical abilities. Her initial training was under the tutelage of her uncle Bellary M. Sheshagiri Achar, later from her father Sangeetha Ratna (conferred by Bangalore Gayana Samaja) Bellary M. Venkateshachar and her brother Bellary M. Raghavendra. She is currently under the tutelage of Padmabhushana Sri P.S.Narayanaswamy, direct disciple of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.
5.1. Bellary Brothers : Bellary M. Sheshagiriachar. Bellary M. Venkateshachar
Born and brought up in Bellary (part of North Karnataka), the two brothers became well known as Bellary brothers. They performed extensively in major sabhas across the nation in 1950’s and 1960’s. People who have listened to their music during their hay days recall it as ‘Innovative, spontaneous, intense performance filled with rich classicality and soul touching devotion’. It is unfortunate to the world of music that very few of these concerts were recorded for posterity. Bellary Brothers were accompanied in numerous concerts by stalwarts such as Palghat Mani Iyer, Lalgudi G. Jayaraman, Palghat Raghu, T. K. Murthy, M.S. Gopalakrishnan, Umayalapuram Shivaraman, T. N. Krishnan, Karaikudi Mani etc.
Bellary M. Sheshagiriachar was a vaggeyakara (one who composes both music and lyric) of high repute. He has composed over 400 compositions. One of the notable aspects of his compositions was, circumstance driven and spontaneous, even having composed in languages that he did not know. He has composed varnams, kritis and devotional songs in 5 different languages. He lost his voice at his peak due to vocal chord paralysis. Inspite of this setback he continued to perform and teach. He was an inspiring teacher who has produced many performing artists and taught music for over 30 years. He was a reader in Bangalore University music department. Unfortunately, he passed away at an early age of 50 leaving an ocean of music for laymen listeners and music connoisseurs.
Bellary M. Venkateshachar, elder of the two was an AIR artist in Mysore. He was endowed with a rich and sonorous voice. He has done a great service to the field of music by having taught hundreds of students over a period of 50 years. Many of them are well known musicians around the globe. Besides being asthana Vidwan of many institutions, he has received numerable awards and recognitions. ‘Sangeetha Kalaratna’ awarded by Bangalore Gayana Samaja, ‘Sangeetha Vidyanidhi’ awarded by Mysore JSS Sabha and Karnataka State award ‘Sangeetha Kalashree’ are a few to name. He is an A Top ranking artist of All India Radio.
A well known artist and teacher from Karnataka, Bellary M Raghavendra is an A graded artist of All India Radio. He had his music training under his father Sangeetha Kalaratna Bellary M. Venkateshachar and his uncle Bellary M. Sheshagiriachar. He has performed extensively throughout the nation. He is well known in delivering compositions with clarity, emotion and good use of rhythmic patterns.
Raghavendra is a dedicated music teacher who has a rare ability to identify and groom music students based on their individual strengths. In addition to being a vocalist, he is well versed in Konnakkol (Solfas) and Morsing. He has learnt Hindustani music and also performed jugalbandis with eminent Hindustani vocalists. Raghavendra has presented numerous illustrative talks and demonstrations on music. He has toured Europe and Canada along with TAS Mani Ensemble.
He is currently a program executive in All India Radio, producing music based programmes such as Aaswaada (programme on music appreciation), Swarasangama (programme on music lessons) and many musical features, which are highly popular among music lovers and general public.
5.2. Bellary M Raghavendra :
Born on February 24, 1934, at Konerirajapuram, to Dr. P. N. Subramaniam, a medical practitioner, Pichai exhibited his talent in music at a very tender age and his parents put him under Thirupampuram Somasundaram Pillai, a nagaswaram vidwan, for his music lessons. PSN made rapid progress and later came under Sangitakalanidhi Mudikondan Venkatarama Iyer, and then under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Under the gurukulavasa system, he joined Semmangudi in the early 1950s. PSN had started giving concerts, both public and through All India Radio, at the age of 15.
Blessed with a powerful voice, Narayanaswami absorbed the special aspects of the music of all stalwart musicians of the last century, carving out a style of his own, even though the Semmangudi style was clearly perceptible in his renditions. As his voice responded very well to fast tempo music, his style became `briga' oriented. He has had the privilege of being accompanied by stalwarts of the last century.
PSN's own students, who have made a significant mark on the concert platform, comprise a large number. This list consists of not only vocalists but also violinists and other instrumentalists. PSN served All India Radio, Chennai, as a conductor of the Vadya Vrinda, and he is accredited with a number of symphonies. Setting to music a number of compositions is another aspect of his musical virtuosity. `Tiru Arutpa' was set to music by him and this was presented by him at a recent conference of the Music Academy, along with his students.
Narayanswami has been the recipient of many awards and titles. He received the title, `Bala Gana Kala Rathnam' when he was just 12 years old. In 2000, he was conferred the title, `Sangeetha Kala Acharya' by the Music Academy. The `Padma Bhushan' awarded to him by the Government of India, comes as a crowning glory
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6. Highlighting their lyrical beauty :
The three-day thematic concerts by musicians from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, which was organised by Sarvani Sangeetha Sabha at Infosys Hall, began with a talk by Dr. Pappu Venugopala Rao on the compositions and speciality of three Telugu composers -- Bhadrachala Ramadas, Toomu Narasimhadas and Sadasiva Brahmendra.
BRVS Pavan Kumar Charan of Vizianagaram presented a vocal concert based on the works of these composers. Pavan Kumar’s robust voice which can traverse the three octaves effortlessly, is his strength.
He began with Toomu Narasimhadas’s ‘Meluko Sugunavala’ in Bowli. The repertoire included ‘Gayathi Vanamali’ (Hamsadhwani), ‘Pibare Ramarasam’ (Chakravaham), ‘Nihare Nahin’ in Valaji and ‘Ikshvaku Kula Thilaka’ in Yadukulakhambodi. The main item was ‘Ennaganu Rama Bhajana’ in Pantuvarali by Bhadrachala Ramadas.
Most of the kritis of these composers are often used as tail-end pieces. Pavan Kumar’s rendition cannot be flawed. However, he could not elevate the concert to the level to a traditional one as his presentation was sans alapana or swaras. Even the singular elaboration of Pantuvarli moved on an easy peripheral approach and vocal demonstration. Similarly, the niraval and swaras followed on ‘Ramachiluka’ sounded more like a medley and ended up in an abrupt korvai. With a powerful voice like his, Pavan Kumar needs to put in more effort to express his manodharma.
The accompanists always take the cue from the vocalist. B.Ananthakrishnan (violin) and Guru Raghavendra (mridangam) followed the frothy touch of the main artist.
“Since the concert is meant to highlight the importance of the compositions, I will keep my raga essays and swaras precise,” said Vani Sateesh before her recital on Purandara Dasa kritis. A laudable view, indeed. However, Vani did not give the raga essays or swaras just a go by. Her articulation of Sankarabharanam and Purvikalyani testified her musical wisdom. Another commendable aspect was that she not only gave a brief introduction about Purandara Dasa, but also explained the profound meaning of the kritis she had chosen. ‘Sripathiyu Namage’ in Sri, ‘Rama Mantrava Jabiso’ in Kanada, ‘Rama Rama Yenilo’ in Vasantha and the central ‘Manava Janma Doddadu’ in Purvikalyani were good selections.
Vani added a couple of other items; one on Purandara Dasa by her guru and musician Bellari Seshagiri Achar in a rare raga, Hradini, with a vibrant chittaswaram, and a weighty composition in Sankarabharanam by Kanakadasa.
Vani’s vocal chords are powerful and her presentation was brimming with confidence. Anayampatti G. Venkatasubramaniam on the violin, B. Ganapathyraman on the mridangam and G. Chandrashekara Sarma on the ghatam proved good accompanists throughout.
If one closes one’s eyes and listens to the music, one would believe the voice belongs to a of a well trained singer. Master S. Mahadevan, the teenager from Thiruvananthapuram, is conversant in playing the veena and the violin, besides being a singer. He is a student of Parasala Ponnammal.
Mahadevan focussed on Maharaja Swati Tirunal’s kritis. His selection – ‘Jagadeesa Sada Mamava’ in Natakurunji, ‘Paripahi Madhava’ in Mohanam (with niraval and swaras) and the main piece ‘Paripalaya Sarseeruha’ in Pantuvarali -- illustrated the youngster’s ability to present ragas and swaras in the right perspective.
Mahadevan’s composure was another favourable point. He showed signs of becoming a vocalist with a strong sense of melody. His performance was encouraged by Thiruvananthapuram N. Sampath on the violin, Udipi Sridhar on the mridangam and Thiruvananthapuram K. Rajesh on the ghatam.
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7. The joy of singing :
Carnatic vocalist Vani Sateesh’s excellent tonal quality, soulful renditions and creative exposition of the ragas make for a good listening experience
Vani Sateesh is steeped in the fervour of Carnatic music. One of the striking features of her home is the collection of tanpuras adorning every corner; some of which have seen several generations in the family. They stand as regal testimony to the rich musical heritage bequeath to her and to her passionate endeavour to preserve, nurture and pass it on to the future generations.
Even as an infant, Vani spent hours plucking the strings and intently imbibing the swaras. Her innate musical talent was recognised first by her brother Bellary M. Raghavendra. Her father and uncle, the famous Bellary Brothers, had already established a niche for themselves as vocalists and hence her formal training began under her uncle Bellary M. Sheshagiri Achar. Her father Bellary M.
Venkateshachar and others in the family groomed her into an outstanding vocalist. “I cannot thank enough nor express how grateful I am to my family”, she fondly remembers, “No matter how well I may have sung, if it were not for the encouragement and faith that my family vested in me, I may not have realised my potential as a singer”. Realise she did, and went on to complete her bachelors and masters in Music from Mysore University winning gold medals in both.
It was during her college days that she had one of the greatest challenges as a singer – “One morning I received a call from an organizer, requesting if I could learn five new compositions by evening and perform, since the intended artist could not show up. Without a moment’s hesitation, I replied that I could. I never doubted that I may not have the capability to do it on a short notice. I learnt the compositions and performed that evening.” To young Vani, this incident was a revelation to what could be achieved if one was devoted to the art.
The hallmark of Vani Sateesh as a singer is the exuberance that she creates through her music. Her excellent tonal quality, soulful renditions coupled with lucid diction and creative exposition of the ragas has augmented her art into a spiritual experience not only for herself but for her listeners too. “Music is ‘Naada Yoga’ for me. It is a medium for me to understand, explore and realise myself as well as the divine that is inherent within me. Whether am singing on the stage, or at home; while teaching or practicing, there is no difference in how I feel. While am still far from becoming a ‘Naada Yogi’, I can definitely say that ‘Naada’ is the most important thing in my life. Everything around me speaks to me through Naada.” And to this, Vani has dedicated herself. During the 15 years that she spent in US, she has groomed several young talents in the nuances of Carnatic music and continues to do so in Bangalore. “I truly believe that music cannot be curtailed into the dogmas of rigid structures of teaching. When the student can experience the richness of the joy that this art can provide, they will definitely come forward to learn more and naturally develop an inclination towards music. They may initially need the push or even a competitive bent of mind to pursue music. But fame or wealth cannot become their guiding factors.”
One of the unique aspects of her renditions is her varied choice of compositions and ragas, many seldom heard. “My performance is a platform for me to share the happiness I feel when I sing. I may choose a popular composition or an intricate one, but I would perform them because it gives me immense joy and I want my audience to feel that too!” A passionate teacher, a disciplined student (currently training under Padmabhushan Sri. P.S. Narayana Swamy), a positively joyous personality, a singer par excellence – Vidushi Vani Sateesh is a holistic person. Her husband, violinist Sateesh has been a pillar of support in her musical journey. Vishesha Fine Arts is a manifestation of their dream to forward the cause of Indian music. Started with the support of renowned musicians such as the Mysore Brothers, and Jayshankar from Brigade, Vishesha Fine Arts, has been striving to promote music and musicians from various genres. Vani Sateesh imbues her music with the same sincerity that reflects in her personality. And this has endeared her to the hearts of music lovers.
THE END.
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