Mohiniyattam danseuse Neena Prasad selected for Nritya Kalanidhi award.
T M Krishna, renowned Carnatic musician, Magsaysay award winner, author, and orator, known for his profound influence on the contemporary Carnatic music world, is slated to receive the esteemed ‘Sangita Kalanidhi’ award for 2024, declared Madras Music Academy in a press release. Krishna has consistently challenged traditional paradigms with his innovative approach, resonating with audiences far beyond the confines of classical music conventions. Over the past two decades, he has charted an unprecedented course, carving out an unconventional niche within the Carnatic music system.
Under the guidance of eminent mentors such as Sangita Kala Acharyas Bhagavatula Seetharama Sarma and Chengalpet Ranganathan, and later delving deeper into the teachings of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Krishna’s musical journey has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of artistic expression and philosophical exploration. His literary contributions, including seminal works like “A Southern Music – The Karnatik Story” and “Sebastian and Sons: A Brief History of Mridangam Makers,” delve into the intricate philosophies of music and aesthetics, enriching the cultural discourse further.
Beyond the concert halls, Krishna has fervently championed the democratization of Carnatic music, pushing social boundaries and fostering inclusivity through innovative performances in diverse settings. His musico-poetic partnership with Tamil writer Perumal Murugan is unique, and he has been a pioneer in bringing the poetry of Sree Narayana Guru into the Karnatik fold.
In parallel acknowledgment of artistic excellence, Mohiniyattam dancer and researcher Neena Prasad, has been named the recipient of this year’s Nritya Kalanidhi award. Trained under illustrious gurus such as Kalamandalam Kshemavati, Kalamandalam Sugandhi in Mohiniyattam Adyar K. Lakshmanan in Bharatanayam, Vempati Chinna Satyam in Kuchipudi and Vembayam Appukuttan Pillai in Kathakali, Prasad’s multifaceted journey through various classical dance forms epitomises her rare dedication.Her doctoral thesis on the nuanced expressions of Lasya and Thandava in South Indian classical dances from Rabindra Bharathi University and post-doctoral fellowship from the University of Surrey further validates her scholarly contributions to the field.
In acknowledgment of instrumental virtuosity and vocal prowess, the esteemed Sangita Kala Acharya awards will be bestowed upon mridangam maestro Parasala Ravi and vocalist Geetha Raja, honouring their exceptional contributions to the classical music tradition. Additionally, the prestigious TTK Awards will be conferred upon the illustrious Thiruvaiyyaru Brothers, S. Narasimhan and S. Venkatesan, alongside violin virtuoso H.K. Narasimhamurthy, in recognition of their unparalleled dedication to their respective musical crafts. Dr. Margaret Bastin will be honored with the esteemed Musicologist Award, acknowledging her profound scholarship and invaluable contributions to the study and preservation of musical heritage.
