Mysuru: As part of its monthly music programme, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mysuru Kendra, has organised a Pancha Veena Concert by Vidwan R.K. Padmanabha, Vid. Ganesh Sharma, Vidu. Geethashree, Vid. Varun and Vidu. Srilakshmi, at its premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage here at 6 pm on May 17.

They will be accompanied by Vid. S. Kumaraswamy on mridanga and Vid. Srinidhi on ghata.

Profile: In the field of Karnatak Classical Music, particularly in Veena playing, Vidwan R.K. Padmanabha is a towering star. Born on May 12, 1959, Padmanabha, having completed 66 springs of life, has been breathing music and worshipping it with devotion for the past five decades.

The son of Mysore Asthana Vidwan, ‘Vainika Praveena’ and ‘Ganakalabhushana’ Vidwan R.S. Keshavamurthy, R.K. Padmanabha received his initial training in a traditional and disciplined environment from his father from a young age. Due to this primary training, he has become proficient in both vocal and Veena music, the twin arts.

Having grown up in a family of musical heritage, all of Padmanabha’s brothers are also musicians. With love and respect, all the brothers gave him a special Veena, approximately 250 years old, which had come to their family, supporting the artistic skill of Padmanabha, making him its worshipper. The name given to this special Veena is ‘Kanaka Rajata Saraswati Akhanda Veena.’ This veena was originally gifted by Vainika Praveena Bhakti Subbanna to his beloved disciple Vidwan R.S. Keshavamurthy.

On the soundboard of this Veena, there is a golden image of Goddess Saraswati  consecrated according to Agama rituals. It is adorned with gold and silver work. At the headstock, there is an ivory Naga (serpent) idol. Since the Veena is made from a single piece of jackfruit wood without any joints, it is an ‘Akhanda’ (unbroken) Veena. It is called ‘Kanaka-Rajata-Saraswati-Akhanda Veena’ for this reason. Padmanabha believes that the fortune of worshipping this unique Saraswati-like Veena, the only one of its kind available in the region, is the result of his past virtuous deeds.

Along with his achievements, he has been providing education in both vocal music and Veena playing for the past three decades. He has been instrumental in the growth of both vocal and Veena arts through his service.

Vidwan R. K. Padmanabha has given concerts at many prestigious venues and events at Mysuru, Sringeri, Udupi, Chennai, Mantralaya, TirumalaTirupati Devasthanam, New Delhi and Mumbai.

He has spread the excellence of Indian music in various locations abroad, including Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh, Bridgewater Temple in New Jersey, ‘Sargam Sabha’ in Hampton City, San Diego, Washington and Baltimore. Vidwan Padmanabha has received many titles and awards for his contributions including ‘Vainika Ratna’ award from Sri Nanjunda Marularadhya Swamiji.