Violin Maestros Mysore Brothers: Vid. Mysore Nagaraj and Vid. Dr. Mysore Manjunath

Violin Maestros: Mysore Nagaraj & Dr. Mysore Manjunath

Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Mysore Manjunath, extraordinarily gifted violinists and sons of the renowned Prof. Mahadevappa, began their musical journeys as child prodigies and have matured into world-class performers. Their journey from prodigies to trailblazers has captivated audiences and critics alike with their exceptional musical genius and technical virtuosity.

International Acclaim

From the Royal Albert Hall in London to the Sydney Opera House, from the Common Thread Music Festival in Oregon to the Santa Fe Festival in New Mexico, and from the World Music Festival in Chicago to the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore, the Mysore Brothers have mesmerized global audiences. They have performed at prestigious venues such as Federation Square in Melbourne and Oxford University. The Los Angeles Times has praised them for "crossing over so many boundaries to create music wonder," while the international press describes them as "the bright, visible cultural ambassadors of India."

Notable Achievements

The legendary sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar admired their music, calling them the 'Princes of Mysore' during a live concert in San Diego in 2012. Their efforts to introduce Indian classical music to top music venues worldwide are highly acclaimed. Their concerts have been featured at renowned music festivals and conferences, including the National Centre for Early Music in the UK, the Milano Festival in Italy, the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the SAARC Summit, Singapore Fine Arts, and the Sydney Music Festival.

Individual Highlights

Nagaraj has made a significant impact with his unique style, inspiring many young violinists and presiding over the Music Conference in Mysore to receive the Sangitha Vidyanidhi title. Meanwhile, Dr. Manjunath has continued to dazzle audiences at esteemed venues such as the UNO Theatre in Sweden, the International Violin Conference in San Diego, Bozar Music Conference in Belgium, the Jazzar Festival in Switzerland, Theatre-dala-ville in Paris, the Saptak Music Festival, the Dhaka Music Festival, the Delhi International Arts Festival, Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and the Kuwait Music Festival. He is the first Indian violinist invited to perform at the prestigious International Violin Festival at the Royal Palace of Milan and the Persian Academy in Iran. He has collaborated with acclaimed European orchestras like Ictus, Okamoon, and Spinifex and has created many new Ragas and compositions. His recent Yoga Anthem in Raga Bharatha, featuring musicians from around the globe, has received significant recognition.

Academic and Awards

Dr. Manjunath excelled academically, securing a First Rank and four Gold Medals for his Masters in Music from the University of Mysore and completing a PhD in Violin. The University of Mysore has honored him as an alumnus with the Stature of Eminence. They were nominated as Presidents of the Golden Jubilee Music Conference by the Ganakala Parishath and were honored with the Ganakala Bhushana Award in 2020.

Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Manjunath are among the youngest recipients of the prestigious Sangith Natak Academy Award from the Government of India and the Rajyothsava Award from the Government of Karnataka. They have also received numerous other accolades, including the Chowdiah National Award by the Academy of Music, Aryabhata Award, Nadanidhi, Asthana Vidwan from Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashram, Pragya Award by ACWS-New Delhi, Sangeetha Choodamani, Sangeeth Samrat, Sangitha Vidwanmani, Sangita Vedanta Dhurina, Ganakala Bhushana, Best Violinist awards from The Music Academy and Indian Fine Arts Society, Meritorious Award from the University of Oklahoma, Rama Ganakalacharya, Excellence Award from the American Institute of World Culture, Honors from the American Arts Council, Vadya Padma from Brahma Gana Sabha, Tantri Vadya Sikhamani from Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Samagana Mathanga National Award, Tatachari National Award, Rasika Puraskar from Rasikapriya-New Delhi, Alva’s Virasath Award, Rotary Excellence Award, and others.

Legacy

Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Mysore Manjunath, true cultural ambassadors of India, continue to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Indian classical music with grace and distinction.

Vid. Sri. Giridhar Udupa

Ghatam Giridhar Udupa, hailed as "The King of Pot Music" by RAVE Magazine, is a world-renowned percussionist known for his expertise with the ghatam and his significant contributions to Carnatic Classical Music. With a career spanning over three decades, Udupa has performed in more than fifty countries and has collaborated with eminent artists across diverse musical genres. He began his musical journey at age 4 under the mentorship of his father, Vidwan Ullur Nagendra Udupa, and later studied under Vidhushi Sukkanya Ramgopal and Vidwan V. Suresh. Udupa has graced prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, and The Kennedy Center, and has performed at the United Nations. His extensive repertoire includes collaborations in Hindustani Classical, Fusion, Jazz, Blues, Flamenco, Celtic Music, Latin Music, Arabic Music, Japanese Music, Bollywood, and European Folk Music, among others. Udupa is part of several bands, including “Layatharanga,” “Indialucia,” and “Saagara,” and has been involved with global symphonic and chamber orchestras such as the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Leipzig Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. He is the founder and director of The Udupa Foundation, a charitable trust promoting music and performing arts, and serves as the Brand Ambassador for Harman AKG Microphones. Udupa’s dynamic performances and intricate rhythmic designs, combined with his contagious stage energy, have earned him widespread acclaim and a celebrated status among music lovers worldwide.

Vid. Sri. Srimushnam Raja Rao

Srimushnam V. Raja Rao, born on August 24, 1934, in Srimushnam, Tamil Nadu, India, is a distinguished Carnatic musician celebrated for his exceptional skill as a vocalist and his significant contributions to South Indian classical music. He began his musical training under the guidance of his father, Sri V. S. Narayanaswamy, and furthered his education with prominent teachers such as Sri G. N. Balasubramaniam and Sri M. L. Vasanthakumari. Raja Rao’s career spans several decades and is marked by his profound performances, known for intricate improvisations and deep emotional expression. His concerts, characterized by authenticity and unique interpretations, have earned acclaim on prestigious stages both in India and internationally. In addition to his performing career, Raja Rao is a dedicated educator who has taught at various institutions and conducted workshops, influencing a new generation of musicians with his extensive knowledge. His contributions to Carnatic music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, reflecting his impact on preserving and evolving the art form. Srimushnam V. Raja Rao continues to be a towering figure in Carnatic music, inspiring listeners and aspiring musicians alike with his exceptional artistry and dedication.