In memory of late violin maestro Mahadevappa, JSS Sangeetha Sabha has organised a violin duet concert by his sons Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Mysore Manjunath on Jan. 1 at 5.30 pm. The concert will be held at Vasudevacharya Bhavana on JLB Road in the presence of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Mutt.

Sangeetha Vidya Nidhi R.K. Padmanabha will be the chief guest. Sabha President K.V.Murthy will be present. Ananta R. Krishnan from Chennai will accompany the brothers on mridanga and Ojas Adhiya from Mumbai on tabla.

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Mahadevappa had a traditional and rigorous training in violin under Puttaswamiah, younger brother of T. Chowdiah. Vidwan Mahadevappa’s musicianship was the quintessence of the pristine purity of the Bidaram School of Music in the lineage of Sri Tyagaraja, in which he was the torch-bearer. His dedicated musical journey acquired a new dimension with the shaping of his illustrious sons into top ranking violinists of international reputation. Mahadevappa is said to have designed new violin techniques, adapting a new style to express great versatility but strictly adhering to classicism. His performances enthralled audience everywhere and won him immense admiration.

He served as the Head of the Department of violin at the College of Fine Arts for more than 26 years.  Actively involved in a number of promotional works in Mysuru, he was also entrusted the responsibility of starting the JSS Sangeetha Sabha by Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji. Recognising his invaluable services in the field of music, Government of Karnataka honored him with the title ‘Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan’ and Chowdiah National Award. Gayana Samaja, Bengaluru, conferred on him the title ‘Sangeetha Ratna.’ His other important honours include ‘Rajyotsava Award’, ‘Nadanidhi’ by Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashrama and ‘Ganavidya Varidhi.’

The present concert is named ‘Dhanyasi’ as Dhanyasi was one of his favourite ragas.

—Dr. Padmavathi Narasimhan