About Us – Asrsfinearts

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Vadhyakalaimani K. Sridhar Pandian(Mridhangist, D. Music, B.A Music, M.A. Rhythmology) is the grandson of Kalaimamani Thiru G. Somasundaram, a renowned Kanjiravidwan. Guru G. Somasundaram has delighted 5 generations with his extraordinary performances and has conducted many stage shows.

With his grandfather’s blessings and training, Sridhar Pandian graduated from Tamilnadu government music college and was trained by several leading mridangam artists including Kalaimamani Thiru Thanjai A.Natarajan, Mridhangaselvam Thiru Kumbakonam A.Saravanan, Kalaimamani Thiru E.M.Subramaniam and also by his own uncle Thiru Shakthivel Muruganantham.

Sridhar had the privilege of learning the art from Kalaimamani Thiru. Mannargudi Easwaran and Sangeet Natak Academy awardee Kalaimamani Thiru Thiruvaarur Bhakthavatsalam when they were visiting professors in his college. Sridhar was given the title “Vadhyakalaimani” by the Violin Maestro Thiru. Lalgudi Jayaraman and P.B.Srinivas.

During his college days, Sridhar was encouraged and given many opportunities to perform on stage by his music professor Kalaimamani Shrimathi Girija Ramaswamy. Sridharcontinues to accompany Mrs. Girija Ramaswamy on Mridangam for her vocal and Harikatha concerts till date.

In 2011, with the blessings of his Gurus,Sridhar started Aalam Sri Raga Sruthilaya Fine Arts to inculcate the art in the minds of present generation. In addition, he has been teaching Mridangam to the students of Gurukulam Matriculation School since 2012. Further, he follows the tradition and lineage of his guru by adopting the gurukula method to teach his students in a modest way.

Every year,Sridhar insists his students to take exams from Chidambaram Annamalai University to grade themselves and they also receive a certificate of completion from the university based on merit. He motivates his students and also gives them opportunities to take part in many instrumental competitions and also to accompany concerts.

In 2018, under the auspices of his Gurus, one ofSridhar’s students had a chance to accompany Kalaimamani Thiru O.S. Arun on his debut recital (Arangetram).

Thirumathi. Meena, wife of Sridhar, plays a pivotal role in the functioning of Aalam SRS Fine Arts. Mrs. Meena has undergone training in vocal and in teaching music from TamilNadu Government Music College and has been awarded 2 gold medals by famous musicians Thiru. MS Viswanathan and by Dr. Seerkazhi Siva Chidambaram. She trains the students of Aalam SRS fine Arts in music and theory.

Sridhar is an integral part of a music troupe named “ Om Sri Sairam Instrumental fusion” which has been performing on various national and international assignments.

For all occasions, Sairam Thaalavaadhyam, which consists of highly skilled artists and musicians, caters to the needs of various audiences by performing classical, instrumental fusion, semi-classical, devotional, jazz, light music and more in all languages. Alandur oil mill owner has honoured Sairam Thaalavadhyam troupe with the title of “Isai Elaval”.

Sridhar, who is one of the All India Radio graded Artists, is also a proud winner of several awards including Sangeetha SevaRathna, Kanchi Kamakotti Peetam Asthana Vidwan, Tabela Thathachar and Layamamani etc.

He accompanies vocal, classical dance (Bharathanatiyam),instrumental fusion concerts and Harikatha concerts. Sridhar is also taking online classes for the benefit of students who live in different parts of the world. Due to vast experience as an accompanying artist, he has also been invited to judge many competitions.

About My Guru

Kalaimamani Mayavaram Thiru G.somasundaram

Born on 10th Dec 1928 to Thiruvonattammal and P. Govindasami pillai, Somasundaram trained in percussion under tavil maestro Thirumullaivayil Muthuvir Pillai and Mridhangam exponent Kuthalam Sivavadivel Pillai. Starting off his concert career as an mridhangam and tavil artiste, he later switched to the kanjira in which instrument he made a name for himself. Beginning with his debut at a concert of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavatar, Somasundaram came to the limelight of several maestros and became their accompanist 5 generations of artistes must be a matter of record.

A quintessential accompanist who is known to enhance any music performance, Somasundaram has travelled all over the world and won acclaim. His advice is much sought after by musicians and dancers alike, on matters concerning laya. His efforts teaching his art are praiseworthy and he continues to train students on percussion.

Awards:

Kalaimamani, Music academy TTK award, Laya nana Jothi, Laya thilagam, Kanjira selvam, Harishankar award, Sangeetha seva nirata
( Thyagaraja sangeetha vidwaath samajam) and many more.

Kalaimamani Thanjavur Thiru
A. Natarajan

He comes from a family of musicians. He started his career as a music teacher in Tamilnadu Government Music College and later went on to become the Head of the Department. Currently, he is the Headmaster of TN Music College. He still performs in many stage shows and has won various awards.

Kalaimamani Thiru E.m.Subramaniam

He worked as a Gatam Professor in Tamilnadu Government Music College. He had Performed in various international events and was a proud receiver of many awards.

Mridhanga selvam kumbakonam Thiru Dr. A. Saravanan

S/O V.B. Rajeswari, a vocal artist. Saravanan comes from a family of renowned Musicians. He worked as a professor in Tamilnadu Government Music College and is currently teaching at the Madurai Music College. A good teacher, he has been successful at shaping the future of most of his students who now perform at various prestigious events.

Thiru. Sakthivel Muruganandham

A famous mridhangam artist who is known for his contribution towards traditional Dance events. He performs at many national, international venues and delights his audiences.

k.sridharpandian, plot no: 7 G2, Ganesh royal flats, 5th cross street, govindhaswamy Nagar, madipakkam, Chennai 600091.

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