Sri. Ramabhadran

It is not enough to appreciate Ramabhadran as a supporting artiste of eminence. In the world of instrumental music, it is rare to find an artiste of merit rolled into an accompanist as well as a solo player. His illustrious father 'Konnakal' Sri Gopalachariar cast Ramabhadran into such a mould. His Thani in a concert is always short and sweet. It would always enhance the musical recital without the displaying the technical exuberance. He has been playing the Mridangam for six generations.

It is his firm belief that a mridangist share one-third responsibility in making a concert successful. His rapport with the audience is never dull. No wonder he is sought after by leading musicians of different generations - nearly five decades. Semmangudi Sri. Srinivasa Iyer the octogenarian doyen of Carnatic music is the foremost vocalist in encouraging him as an accompanist. Stalwarts of the past like Chembai Sri. Vaidhyanatha Bhagavadar, Maharajapuram Sri. Viswanatha Iyer, Ariyakudi Sri. Ramanuja Iyer, Madurai Sri. Mani Iyer, Musiri Sri. Subramania Iyer, Sri. G.N. Balasubramanian, Maharajapuram Sri. Santhanam liked to have him as an accompanist.

Mr. Ramabhadran has also participated in Tala vadya ensembles and jugalbandis all over India and abroad. He has given many lectures on the technique of playing Mridangam especially for kirtanas. He had also given demonstration lessons in USA and London. Ramabhadran as an accompanist of solo instrumental music, is superb. He played for veteran flutist Sri. T.R. Mahalingam and other top ranking instrumental musicians of veena and chitraveena including the violin maestro Lalgudi Sri. Jayaraman. Ramabhadran takes pride in having played for almost all the performances given by Sri. Lalgudi in India and abroad. He is a recipient of several awards and honours like Sangeetha Choodamani, Kalaimamani, Talavilas, Sri Chowdiah Memorial Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and many more.

The unofficial praises showered by the great performers of the music world reveal his dexterity of handling the instrument, Mridangam. "Vellore Ramabhadran rose admirably to the occasion and provided percussion support with dignity and understanding" is of the press quotes. He has struggled to bring quality output from the youth performers. During all his performances he has always been getting along with the concert and never projected himself alone, which was also one of the reasons which elevated all the concerts where he performed.

S. Suresh Ark commercials