For those of you seeking music, you may find some under 'Audio' (below) or in an index regarding the others under the 'Audio Postings' Label . We will either be embedding some concerts of the Vidwans in the 'Audio Postings'section itself or providing pointers to the appropriate posting in which they could be found
The Star of Mysore and ಮೈಸೂರುಮಿತ್ರ newspapers have more than 70% circulation in the city of culture and royalty. Sri. Ganapathy, its founder-editor, was a long-time friend and associate of Sri. K. Srikantiah. He penned this tribute himself in April 2025, around the Ramanavami festival time.
We regret to report that Sri K. B. Ganapathy himself left us a couple of days back. May his spirit, always ebullient, stay connected with us always!
Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna in the home of Parvathi - 1967
There has never been a more prolific and multifaceted musician in Indian music than Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna. As one who composed in all the 72 melakartas as a teenager, as one who conquered Madras audiences while still being an "Outsider", as one who was the only classical male vocalist to make a mark in film music, in light music, as well as in devotional music across languages, and achieve fame and reverence as a vocalist among Hindustani music audiences, he did it all. His appeal to Hindustani audiences was such that he was featured alongside Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar! No raga or composer escaped his masterly treatment. What appeared as an effortless ease on the stage was the product of a genius honed to perfection in Nature's bosom.
BMK, as he was affectionately called by Madras audiences, once proudly claimed that no award or honour due to a musician would ever be denied to him. He also claimed he enjoyed eating ice-cream just before a concert!
M. Balamuralikrishna rose meteorically to fame in the 1960s through his innovative approach to Carnatic music and his expanding influence beyond traditional concert settings. By the late 1960s, he was hailed as one of the most famous Carnatic singers, known for his brilliant voice, mastery over multiple instruments, and prolific compositions.
Balamuralikrishna successfully wielded administrative roles, notably as music producer and later programme director for All India Radio (AIR) in Vijayawada and Hyderabad. He launched the influential early morning devotional radio show "Bhakti Ranjani," which became widely popular and was later adopted by other stations. These roles helped him create new audiences for Carnatic music and brought his artistry to a broader public.
In this house concert, conducted at the residence of Sri. K.K. Murthy, the younger brother of Sri. K. Srikantiah, BMK's forte across all these dimensions, is on full display. His own compositions shine with his unique treatment. He sings the songs that he made famous - be it a song of Jayadeva or of any other composer, even in the film world!
The way BMK sings Amrithavarshini, Shanmukhapriya, Kapi...they will linger long in our hearts and minds.
We are posting the last few remaining archive recordings left behind by Sri. K. Srikantiah... with a sense of duty and fulfilment.
Sangeetha Kalanidhi Vid. Sudha Raghunathan - Sri Ramanavami 2007
One of the favourites of the Parvathi audiences, and a celebrated concert artiste for over three decades, Vid. Sudha Raghunathan performed in 2007 at Parvathi to a full house. Unfortunately, the audio we can retrieve is a "hall recording" with significant sound degradation. However, the concert stands as a testament to Vid. Sudha's calibre and concert aesthetics.
We decided to ask Perplexity.AI to list five notable facts about Vid. Sudha. Here is what it told us!!!
Here are the five best things one can say about Vid. Sudha Raghunathan:
One of India’s foremost Carnatic vocalists and a Padma Bhushan awardee: Sudha Raghunathan is widely recognized as one of the leading exponents of Carnatic music, having been honored with some of the country's highest civilian awards including the Padma Bhushan (2015) and Padma Shri (2004).
Recipient of the prestigious Sangeetha Kalanidhi: She was awarded the Sangeetha Kalanidhi by the Madras Music Academy, a distinction regarded as the highest honor in Carnatic music, and she was among the youngest to receive it, marking a generational transition in the field.
Innovator and global ambassador for Carnatic music: Sudha has evolved a distinctive style, blending tradition with innovation, and has performed at major venues worldwide, including being the only Carnatic musician after M.S. Subbulakshmi to sing at the United Nations. Her repertoire spans over 200 albums and includes forays into film and fusion music.
Dedicated disciple and torchbearer of a legendary lineage: She is a direct disciple of the legendary Dr. M.L. Vasanthakumari, and has carried forward her guru’s legacy, both musically and in her approach to professionalism, resilience, and stage presence.
Committed philanthropist and educator: Beyond music, Sudha Raghunathan has made significant contributions to society through her Samudhaaya Foundation, supporting numerous social causes including health, education, and disaster relief, and actively promoting music education and outreach.
These qualities underscore her artistic excellence, pioneering spirit, and social commitment, making her a role model in the world of Indian classical music and beyond.
Concert Details
Sudha Raghunathan - Vocal
Mysore V. Srikanth - Violin
C. Cheluvaraj - Mridangam
M.A. Krishnamurthy - Ghatam
Date: 27 March 2007.
Sri Ramanavami Festival conducted at the home of "Parvathi".
Song List
Shloka and Mathe Malayadhwaja - Khamach - Muthiah Bhagavatar
Vatapi Ganapathim - Hamsadhwani - M. Dikshitar
Shloka and Jaya Jaya Janakikantha - Nata - Purandaradasa
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