Mysuru: In memory of renowned guru, violinist, Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan, S. Mahadevappa, a concert is being conducted by his family and disciples on Jan. 1, 2025, to pay tribute to his yeomen contribution to the field of Karnatak music.

This new year marks the 6th anniversary of such concerts titled ‘Danyasi,’ a favourite raga of Mahadevappa, the Founder of JSS Sangeetha Sabha.

A violin duet will be presented by Mahadevappa’s sons and renowned artistes Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Mysore Manjunath (Mysore Brothers) on Jan. 1 at 6 pm at Navajyothi Auditorium, JSS College for Women, Saraswathipuram.

They will be accompanied by Anantha R. Krishnan on mridanga and Ojas Adhiya on tabla.

Profile: Mahadevappa was born in a small village called Mudigundam near Mysuru. Born with natural talents in music and other arts, he got initiated to classical music very early.

He had his formal training in vocal music and violin under Narayanaswamy of Kollegal.

Later he was accepted as a student by one of the great musicians of Karnataka T. Puttaswamiah, younger brother of legendary T. Chowdiah. Mahadevappa had rigorous training in traditional Gurukula system. It was here where Mahadevappa was introduced to great musical ideas of chaste classical music.

Mahadevappa’s artistry is the quintessence of the pristine purity of the respected Bidaram School of Sri Thyagarajaswamy Paramapara in which he is the torch-bearer. It did not take long for Mahadevappa to establish as a leading violinist as his outstanding violin skills were recognised by one and all. He had the opportunity to widen his musical ideas by accompanying some of the greatest musicians of yesteryears. One of the most successful violinists and teachers, Mahadevappa was offered the post of the Head of the Department of Violin at the University of Mysore where he served as a Professor for almost 26 years.

Consolidating the enormous achievements of his predecessors and different new approach of contemporary Violinists, Mahadevappa designed totally new and complete Violin techniques creating an ideal style to express the great versatility of Violin with strict adherence to Classicism.

He imparted rigorous training to his children — Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Mysore Manjunath, popular as Mysore Brothers — in this style. With the fidelity to pitch, rhythm and ornamentation, and proper perception of the musical spirit of great composers, Mysore Brothers could stand out as deeply evolved musicians.