R. Vedavalli | |
|---|---|
 R. Vedavalli | |
| Born | (1935-11-09)9 November 1935 (age 89)[1] Mannargudi,Madras Presidency, India |
| Occupation | Indian classical vocalist |
| Years active | 1953–present |
| Spouse | D. R. Santhanam |
| Parent(s) | Ramaswami Iyengar (father) Padmasani Ammal (mother) |
| Awards |
|
Vidushi R. Vedavalli (born 9 November 1935) is an IndianCarnatic vocalist.[2]
R. Vedavalli was born inMannargudi,Tamil Nadu,India to Ramaswami Iyengar and Padmasani Ammal.
R. Vedavalli's talent for music was identified early on by Maurai Srirangam Iyengar, who brought the five-year-old aharmonium, and got her started on vocal lessons. The family moved toMadras in a few years time, and Vedavalli came under the tutelage ofMudicondan Venkatarama Iyer.[1]
She received a Central Government scholarship to specialize in Padams and Javalis withT.Muktha, and inPallavis with Venkataramana Iyer. Though she has performed since childhood, it wasAriyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar who advised her to turn into a professional musician, when he heard her sing as an 18-year-old. She has travelled throughout India and abroad in North America, South-East Asia, the Far East and thePersian Gulf region, giving concerts and lecture demonstrations.
Vedavalli served in the Teacher's College of Music of theMadras Music Academy for several years before becoming Professor of Vocal Music in the Government College of MusicAdyar. She has thus shared her deep knowledge and extensive repertoire with numerous students at these institutions apart from training some privately.
She is also trained in playing theveena, and has a good command overTamil,Sanskrit,Kannada,Telugu, which helps her sing with greater understanding orartha bhava (meaning and emotion). She lived inChennai with her husband D. R. Santhanam and mother Padmasani Ammal, at the turn of the century. Later she and her husband moved to Pune to be with their daughter, and D R Santhanam died in Pune in July 2021.[3]
From a very young age, Vedavalli won several awards in prestigious competitions including All India Radio's first prize for Classical Music and Light Classical Music, awarded by the President of India. In 2000, she received theSangeetha Kalanidhi, which is considered the highest award in Carnatic music. She is one of the few women to have received this honor. She also received theSangeetha Kalasikhamani award given by the Fine Arts Society, Chennai in 1995.
Among her disciples today are accomplished performers, researchers, teachers and writers. Sumitra Vasudev and her daughter Sushruti Santhanam are her disciples. Sushruti is based in Pune and teaches music there.[4]
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