GANESH - KUMARESH

EXPONENTS OF CARNATIC VIOLIN

Coming from a musical family, Ganesh and Kumaresh, ace violinists from India, took to music very young in their lives. They started performing from when they were 7 and 5 respectively and in the last thirty years they have created their own expressions of music.

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 field.

In 1983, Sri M.G. Ramachandran, the great leader of Tamil Nadu, has 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 appreaciation. 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.

Ganesh and Kumaresh 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 of their mastery. "Kalaimamani', 'Sunaadha Sironmani', 'Sangeetha Saragnya', 'Dwaram Venkata Swami Naidu award' are only some of the many titles that have been bestowed on them.

Having performed in several top-notch global festivals, their creative idiom is international and their communication through music crosses all boundaries.

Their musical caliber has been recognized worldwide and they have performed extensively in India, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Middle East, South East Asia, Maldives, Australia and many more countries.