Classical Music Show
Ganesh and Kumaresh – the ace violin duo of Carnatic Music, hit the headlines in 1972, with their very first stage appearance at the ages of 7 and 5. Over three decades, the brothers have more than lived up to the promise they showed at that debut, carving a niche for themselves in a field where violin playing has been taken to heights of international excellence by great Carnatic maestros.
The brothers are unique. Their violin technique is impeccable and remarkable – powerful, precise, with platinum tonality and incrediblevirtuosity. Their music is highly creative, vigorous and stretches the seams of aesthetic possibilities. Compositions flow with precision, alacrity and a deep sense of individual interpretation, raga alapanas are essays of mystical originality, rhythmic improvisations swell and descend like cascades of radiance.
Trained by their father, Shri Rajagopalan, an excellent artiste in his own right, Ganesh and Kumaresh completed their hundredth stage appearance before the younger brother was ten years of age! By the time they reached their teens they were rubbing shoulders with veterans in musical events.
In 1983, Sri M.G.Ramachandran, the great leader of Tamil Nadu, had occasion to hear a television concert of the gifted brothers. He was so moved by their talent and accomplishment that he sent them a personal note of appreciation. He wrote, “I was wonderstruck with your talent. My hearty greetings to both of you. I am sure you will reach greater heights in your career.” He subsequently made them State Artistes of Tamil Nadu.
The maestros have been honoured as Asthana Vidwans of the Sri Matam of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. They were the youngest violinists to be recognized by All India Radio as A-top ranking artistes. Many more accolades and awards made their way in recognition to their mastery. ‘kalaimamani’, ‘Sunaadha Sironmani’, ’Sangeetha Saragnya’, ‘Dwaram Venkata swami Naidu award’ are only some of the many titles that have been heaped on them.
Their musical caliber has been recognized worldwide and they have performed extensively in USA, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Middle East, South East Asia, Maldives, Australia and many more countries.
Ganesh and Kumaresh have always believed that each instrument should have its own scores of music that would project the beauty and tonality of that particular instrument. By playing only Vocal music on the instruments, they feel that artistes are limiting the scope of the respective instruments. In this connection, they have composed many purely instrumental raga based compositions that they have termed as 'RAGAPRAVAHAM'.