R. S. Nandakumar is an Indian Karnataka classical vocal musician, composer, and scholar.[1] His father and mentor was an acharya of Indian musicology and danceology, Padma Shri awardee Mahamahopadhyaya R. Sathyanarayana, under whom he studied Indian music and Shastra.[2]

Vidwan R S Nandakumar
Concert pic of RS Nandakumar, 2024
Born (1960-06-21) 21 June 1960 (age 64)
Bhadravathi, Karnataka
CitizenshipIndia
Alma materKannada University, Hampi, Karnataka, India
Occupation(s)Singer, Composer, Acharya
Years active1980-present
SpouseRadhika Nandakumar
AwardsKarnataka Kalashri

Early life and background

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R.S. Nandakumar was born in 1960[2] in Bhadravathi, Karnataka, India. He hails from a distinguished lineage of musicians and scholars. His father, R. Sathyanarayana, was one of four brothers who were then popularly known as The Mysore Brothers[3](not to be confused with Mysore Brothers). He is married to Radhika Nandakumar, a Bharatanatyam dancer.[citation needed]

Career

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Nandakumar has a musical career characterized by his contributions to resurrecting, reconstructing and reviving ancient Indian musical forms.[4] In 2012, he did extensive research into the musical heritage of the Haridasas of Karnataka.[5] He has revived and performed various rare musical forms, such as Gadya, Dandaka, Suladi, Vrittanama, and Bhramaragita, maintaining their authentic shastra-ic styles.[6]

 
 

Nandakumar has performed in India and in the UK, USSR, Germany, Italy and USA.[7]

Research and academic contributions

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Nandakumar received the Senior Research Fellowship from Ministry of Culture, Government of India[6] to do in depth study on Ela, which is one of the most ancient forms of music compositions in Indian music.[6] His other research include significant works on the Mysore School of Bharatanatyam[8] and a D.Litt. thesis on Sripadaraya awarded by Kannada University, Hampi, Karnataka in 2013.[9] He has served as the Hon. Director of Prasaranga at the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hanagal Music and Performing Arts University, Mysuru. He now heads Brahmavidya, Mysuru[10] and presently serves as the president for KCMC, Bangalore.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "'Kalabhivardhana 2024': Three-day 20th annual celebrations of Kalasandesha Pratishtana from tomorrow". 11 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Dr R S Nandakumar – Brahmavidya". brahmavidya.co.in. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  3. ^ "Seeing new in old". The Hindu. 15 September 2011.
  4. ^ "Swaranaada Yatra ends with soulful performance". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  5. ^ "THE JOURNAL Of THE MUSIC ACADEMY MADRAS Devoted to the Advancement of the Science and Art of Music" (PDF). THE JOURNAL of THE MUSIC ACADEMY MADRAS: 8. Nov 2007. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  6. ^ a b c "KSP - Creating better world for artists". www.kalasandesha.com. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Carnatic Music concert by Vidwan Dr. R.S.Nandakumar in Munich". AllEvents.in. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Radhika Nandakumar Archives". Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  9. ^ "Award List of D.Litt Students 1997 to 06.12.2022 (31st Nudihabba)" (PDF). Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  10. ^ "Contact Us – Brahmavidya". brahmavidya.co.in. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  11. ^ "KCMC Trust – Karnataka Classical Musicians Confederation Trusts". Retrieved 26 June 2024.