ABOUT
Lineage
Biography of Palani Subramaniam Pillai
Shri Palani Subramaniam Pillai, born on April 20, 1908, in India, was a renowned Carnatic music percussionist. He was a disciple of his father, Palani Muthaiah Pillai, and was also influenced by Dakshinamurthy Pillai. Known for his exceptional skills in mridangam and kanjira, he became one of the "Holy Trinity of Mridanga," along with Palghat Mani Iyer and Ramanathapuram C. S. Murugabhoopathy.
Throughout his career, he accompanied many legendary artists and was highly regarded for his robust and intricate playing style. Palani Subramaniam Pillai's contributions to Carnatic music continue to be celebrated. He passed away on May 27, 1962.
Biography of Shri Dandamudi Ram Mohan Rao
Shri Dandamudi Ram Mohan Rao, born on December 31, 1930, in Vuyyuru, Andhra Pradesh, was a revered mridangam virtuoso, honored with titles such as "Vadya Ratna", “Naada Bhageeratha”, and "Kala Prapoorna." He received his initial training under distinguished gurus Kondapaturi Ranganayakulu, Potluri Veeraraghavaiah Chowdari, and Palani Subrahmanyam Pillai. Recognized for his exceptional talent from a young age, he became a prominent artist at AIR Vijayawada from 1949 until 1993.
Shri Rao's illustrious career saw him accompany many celebrated musicians, earning accolades such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1994. He contributed significantly to promoting classical music through performances and lectures in India and abroad. Shri Dandamudi Ram Mohan Rao passed away on January 31, 2011, in Vijayawada, leaving an enduring legacy in Carnatic music.
Biography of Shri Manda Krishna Ram Prasad
Shri Manda Krishna Ram Prasad was born in the quaint village of Arasavilli in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. From an early age, he displayed a deep passion for drums, which blossomed into a lifelong dedication to the art of mridangam. His initial training in this traditional Carnatic percussion art form was under the esteemed guidance of Sri Komaravilli Sundara Rao garu.
Determined to master the nuances of mridangam, Shri Prasad delved deeply into the Pudukottai Sampradaya. His quest for excellence led him to study under the legendary Sri Dandamudi Ram Mohan Rao garu in Vijayawada, the sole practitioner of this style in Andhra Pradesh at the time. As a dedicated disciple, he spent a decade in rigorous training, perfecting his skills in both playing and maintaining the mridangam. His expertise earned him a position as a staff artist at AIR Vijayawada.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shri Prasad had the honor of accompanying numerous revered artists, including Mangalamapalli Bala Murali Krishna garu and Kotipalli Suryaprakasam garu. His exceptional talent and contributions to music were widely recognized and celebrated.
In 1987, Shri Prasad founded the Sabha "Sundavinodini," which became a vibrant platform for musical performances and cultural enrichment. He devoted his life to promoting classical music and nurturing young talent until his last breath. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of Carnatic music.
Biography of Smt. Chaganti Venkata Meher Kalyani (Manda)
Smt. Chaganti Venkata Meher Kalyani hails from the village of Arasavilli in Andhra Pradesh. She began her training in mridangam at the tender age of three under the guidance of her father, Sri M.K.R. Prasad garu. By the age of six, she had already earned the child prodigy award from All India Radio Visakhapatnam and performed her first radio program.
Recognized as one among the three top female mridangists in Andhra Pradesh, Kalyani pursued an extensive education, earning multiple postgraduate degrees including an MCA, M. Tech in Computer Science, and an MA in Mridangam from PSTU. She has accompanied many eminent artists and has performed in prestigious programs such as Nada Neerajanam by SVBC, TTD. Her advanced training under Dr. Yella Venkateswara Rao garu allowed her to master the technical intricacies of mridangam, contributing significantly to her distinguished career.
To date, Kalyani has taken part in more than 2000 concerts around the country.
Unleash the Rhythm Within: Explore the Soul of Carnatic Music
Embark on a captivating journey into the world of Mridangam, the ancient percussion instrument that lies at the heart of Carnatic music. At Sunadavinodini, we believe in fostering a love for music as a foundation of Indian culture and a pathway to spiritual connection. Our comprehensive curriculum, designed for all skill levels, will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create your own rhythmic magic.