01/10/2025
đOm Shri Gurubhyo Namahđ
The inaugural function of the Birth Centenary Celebrations of Prof. H. V. Krishnamurthy, an iconic violinist, teacher, and visionary in Carnatic music, was a momentous occasion that brought together stalwarts of the art form, disciples, and admirers from across the country.
The proceedings commenced with a deeply moving invocatory performance by nearly 100 students of the Vijaya College of Music, who rendered vocal and violin pieces as a collective tribute to their revered Parama Guru. The stage resonated with devotion and discipline, reflecting the enduring influence of Prof. Krishnamurthyâs teaching and legacy.
A specially curated documentary video on Prof. Krishnamurthyâs life and times followed, offering the audience a glimpse into his remarkable journey as a musician, mentor, and torchbearer of the violin tradition in Carnatic music.
The felicitation ceremony that ensued was the highlight of the morning. The stage at the historic Bangalore Gayana Samaja was adorned by living legends of the Carnatic violin tradition, presenting a sight that was both rare and awe-inspiring. Among the distinguished honourees were: the centenarian Vid Annavarapu Ramaswamy (Andhra Pradesh), Ninety year old Vid Nedumangad Sivanandan (Kerala), and three other violinists in their eighties, Vid V. V. Subrahmanyam (Tamil Nadu), Vid S. Seshagiri Rao (Karnataka), Vid M. Chandrasekaran (Tamil Nadu), whose award was received on his behalf by his son, Sri Mohan K*mar, as the maestro was unable to travel.
The function was truly one of its kind and probably the first time such luminaries were brought together on the same stage.
The function witnessed an unexpected yet graceful gesture when Dr. R. V. Raghavendra stepped in as Chief Guest at short notice, in place of Sri V. V. Sundaram, who was unable to attend due to a personal emergency. Joining him as Guests of Honour were eminent artists â Dr. R. K. Padmanabha, Dr. Suma Sudhindra, Vid Mysore M. Nagaraj, and Vid Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma.
The dignitaries presented the awardees with the Sangeetha Kalarathna Prof. H. V. Krishnamurthy Birth Centenary Award, carrying the title âViolin Vaadana Agraniâ, along with a citation, cash award, a shawl, and a memento. The auditorium erupted in applause, and the audience rose to their feet in a heartfelt standing ovation to honour the maestros.
The Chief Guest and the Guests of Honour fondly reminisced about their association with Prof. H. V. Krishnamurthy and shared their thoughts on the awardees.
Speaking on behalf of all the awardees, Sri V. V. Subrahmanyam expressed gratitude for the recognition.
The celebrations continued with a short yet captivating concert by Bhargavi Venkatram (vocal) and Vishnu Venkatram (violin) â both grandchildren of Prof. Krishnamurthy â very well accompanied by Sri Adamya Ramanand on the mridangam and Sri Sharath Koushik on the ghatam.
The auditorium also featured a picture gallery illustrating the life and illustrious journey of Prof. H. V. Krishnamurthy.
The proceedings came to a close on a note of reverence and joy, marking a fitting tribute to Prof. H. V. Krishnamurthy, whose vision, teaching, and artistry continue to inspire generations of musicians. The event not only celebrated his centenary but also reaffirmed the vitality and continuity of the Carnatic violin tradition he so passionately nurtured.
