BHARATANATYAM ARANGETRAM
ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA
SRI. K. HARI PRASAD
Vocalist
Born at Mannarghat, Palghat district, a region known for its musical traditions Kaniyal Hari Prasad was drawn to classical music at the age of six under the training of Sri. Govindabhagavathar. He, along with his sister, gave concerts at the local temples which were highly appreciated. Later he joined the prestigious diploma course in Carnatic Vocal at Kalakshetra College of fine arts. He was under the tutelage of Vidvan Sri. D. Chellamayyanagar. He has also learned under Vidvan Sri. Vairamangalam Lakshmi Naranyan and Sri. S. Rajaram. He was gifted to learn some compositions of Dr. Sri. M. Balamuralikrishna under the same versatile artist and also toured along with him to US. He has also learned under Sri. V. Subrahmanyam. He is a regular broadcasting artist in the A.I.R Chennai since 1989. He has also performed in Doordarshan Chennai, Bangalore and Rupavahini, Sri Lanka. He was a recipient of Central government scholarship. He was selected by the Tamil Nadu eyalisai natakamandrum to perform in various places in 1991.
Awards 1. Received endowment awards for music concerts from Krishna Gana Sabha, Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai. 2. Honored with the title 'Aasthana Vidhwan' of Kanchi Matt. 3. Was awarded the title 'Sathya Gandharva Gana Sundaram' by Bharathanjali Trust of Smt. Anitha Guha. 4. Was awarded The Best Vocalist for Dance by the Madras Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha and V.D.S Academy, Chennai and Gold Medal from Vipanchi, Chennai. 5. Was the first recipient of 'Natya Sangeetha Kalabharathi' from Bharath Kalachar, Chennai. 6. Was awarded the Natyarangam Award from Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai and Sangeethagnya Award from the Dhananjayans Bharathakalanjali. 7. Natya Sangeetha Padmam awarded by Brahma Gana Sabha, Chennai. 8. The Abhai Award titled 'Gandharva Nipuna' 2022. 9. Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna Puraskar. 10.Awarded Anusha Gana Nipuna Mani by Anusham Arts Academy Chennai.
SRI. B. MUTHUKUMAR
Flutist
B. Muthukumar, a third generation musician whose father Adyar Balu was a renowned Mridangist, Muthukumar initially started under Mayavaram Saraswathi Ammal. He then continued his tutelage under internationally famous flute maestro Dr. N. Ramani for more then two decades. In addition to his five flute ensemble with his Guru Dr. N. Ramani, Muthu is a frequent solo performer on Indian Stage and A Grade Artist of All India Radio Chennai.
Awards
1. Spirit of youth festival of Music Academy Chennai adjudged him best junior flute player.
2. Yuvakala Bharathi award from Bharat Kalachar.
3. Best sub-Senior flutist award from The Indian Fine Arts Society Chennai.
4. Natya Sangeetha Kala Bharathi from Bharat Kalachar.
5. Nadha Kala Vipanchee for excellent service in propagating Indian classical music from Vipanchee.
SRI. N. K. KESAVAN
Mridangist
One of the most respected and popular percussionists for dance, Kesavan’s brilliant innovations makes him stand out as a creative artist par excellence. He is proficient in many different percussive instruments, especially the Chenda. He has also collaborated with famous film music directors like Ilayaraja and A.R. Rahman. He frequently composes percussion sequences for dancers, and has accompanied well known artists such as Shobana, Madurai R. Muralidaran, Anita Ratnam, Rukmini Vijayaraj, Ratna Kumar (Houston, Texas) & Radica Giri.
Awards
1. Vividhalaya vaadya shiromani, from NDA
2. Bharatha Laya nipuna, from Bharatham Academy of Fine arts
SMT. PADMAJA KELAM
Nattuvangum
Smt. Padmaja Kelam is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, Nattuvanar and a choreographer living in Atlanta, GA. She started Kalaivani Dance and Music Academy in 2004 to impart classical dance and education. She has had hundreds of students and has conducted many Arangetrams. She has choreographed dance items that include Varnams, Thillanas, Jathiswarams, Padams, etc. She has intricate knowledge of and extensive experience in the art of Nattuvangam. Her love and passion for dance and dance education is reflected in the graceful performances of her various students. She has been honored by various community organizations.
Smt. Padmaja Kelam has adapted several Gurukula traditions albeit with a modern twist to accommodate the students who are passionate about learning yoga, music, nattuvangam, etc.
