G. J. R. Krishnan Explained

Lalgudi G. J. R. Krishnan
Birth Date:	15 April 1960
Birth Place:	Chennai, India
Instrument:	Violin
Genre:	Classical, fusion
Occupation:	Violinist, composer
Years Active:	1973  - present
Website:	http://www.lalgudigjrkrishnan.com/

Lalgudi Gopala Jayaraman Radhakrishnan, popularly known as G. J. R. Krishnan or Lalgudi Krishnan, is a Carnatic violinist, vocalist and composer.^[1] He is the son and disciple of the legendary maestro Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. Over the years, Krishnan has nurtured and propagated the legacy of the Lalgudi Bani, while also blending his own artistic elements. His style is defined by technique, bhava, laya, and a philosophical adherence to the notion that the violin must closely mimic the human voice. Lalgudi Krishnan was awarded with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2015.^[2] This is the highest Indian recognition given to people in the field of performing arts. Along with his sister, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, the duo was honored with the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award from the Madras Music Academy in 2022.^[3] This is considered the highest accolade in the field of Carnatic music.^[4]

Early life and background

Lalgudi Krishnan was born to violin maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman and Rajalakshmi.

Though a post graduate in commerce and a cost and works accountant and a company secretary education, Krishnan has dedicated his life to a career in music.

Career

Lalgudi G. J. R. Krishnan debuted in 1973. His style, like his father's, is the gayaka style closest to vocal rendition. He travels extensively on musical tours all over the world.

• G J R Krishnan typically performs duets with his sister, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, a violin Vidushi.^[5]
• G J R Krishnan's world tours include performances
• Lincoln Center, New york
• a symphony, "Sunada Pravaham" (June 2004-conducted by G J R Krishnan) at the Singapore Arts Festival
• Tropical Institute of Amsterdam
• Concertgebouw-Amsterdam for the Indo Amsterdam Festival
• Smithsonian Institution-Washington, USA
• India festival in the erstwhile USSR
• Purcell Room, London

Awards

Awards Krishnan has won include:

• 2022- Sangita Kalanidhi from the Madras Music Academy.
• 2017- 8th Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal from the Indira Sivasailam Foundation and the Music Academy, Chennai^[6]
• 2015 – Sangeet Natak Academi Award^[7]
• 2009 – Sangeetha Kalasagara Award from Kalasagaram (conferred at the 42nd Annual Cultural Festival of Music,Dance & Drama)^[8]
• 2006 – Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram, Government of Tamil Nadu
• 1998 – Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Award, the Kalki Krishnamurthy Centenary year from the Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Trust
• 1998 – Sangeetha Choodamani award conferred by Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai,^[9]
• 1986 – Best Violinist Award from the Music Academy, Chennai

Discography

• Bow to the violins

Notes and References

1. Web site: Indian Heritage – Profiles of Artistes, Composers, Musicologists – K.
2. Web site: PTI. 4 October 2016. Sangeet Natak Akademi: President confers Sangeet Natak Akademi award, fellowship Delhi News – Times of India. 2021-06-07. The Times of India. en.
3. News: 2022-05-22 . Music Academy announces Sangita Kalanidhi awards for three years . 2024-05-23 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
4. Web site: Sangita Kalanidhi - Music Academy . 2024-05-23 . musicacademymadras.in.
5. Web site: The Hindu : Friday Review Thiruvananthapuram / Music : Ragas of a festival . hindu.com . 13 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080325232431/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/03/21/stories/2008032150430300.htm . 25 March 2008 . dead.
6. Web site: Indira Sivasailam Foundation. 2021-06-10. isfoundation.in.
7. Web site: PTI. 4 October 2016. Sangeet Natak Akademi: President confers Sangeet Natak Akademi award, fellowship Delhi News – Times of India. 2021-06-07. The Times of India. en.
8. News: Srihari. Gudipoodi. 2009-12-03. Under the spotlight. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-06-07. 0971-751X.
9. Web site: Sri Krishna Gana Sabha – Sangeetha Choodamanis . krishnaganasabha.org . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20191027152800/http://krishnaganasabha.org/kgs_old/sangchoo.html . 2019-10-27.