Nagamani Srinath | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 April 1950 |
| Occupation | Carnatic vocalist, guru |
| Awards | Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2010) |
Dr. G. N. Nagamani Srinath[1] [2]was born on April 7, 1950, to G.N. Narayana and Venkatalakshamma in Jodi Gubbi, a remote village in Hassan district, Karnataka, India.
Dr. G. N. Nagamani Srinath is an Indian Carnatic vocalist, composer, and educator. She has performed widely in India and around the world. She has held the position of professor of music at Maharani’s Arts College in Mysore and Bengaluru. She is connected to the Sunaada Cultural Centre, which focuses on teaching Carnatic music.[1][3]
Early Life and Education [edit | edit source]
Dr. G. N. Nagamani Srinath was born in Hassan district, Karnataka, India. She was trained in Carnatic music under the Gurukula System with Ramnad Krishnan in Madras. She was also studied with several musicians, including M. L. Vasanthakumari, K. V. Narayanaswamy, T. M. Thyagarajan, D. K. Jayaraman, T. Brinda, Mukta, Gowri Kuppa Swamy, V. Ramaratnam, and R. Vishweshwaran.[3]
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in music from Mysore University[2], where she earned high ranks and gold medals[1]. She also completed a postgraduate diploma in music from the Government of Tamil Nadu[3] and received a Vidwat qualification from the Government of Karnataka.[3] Tumkur University awarded her a Doctor of Literature (D.Litt) in music.
Prof. G. N. Nagamani Srinath is part of a group of musicians who have been prominent in Carnatic music[4] for over sixty years. Her knowledge and interpretation have made her a significant presence in Carnatic music. She possesses an impressive understanding of music and delivers it with emotional depth that resonates with both the elite and the general public.[1][3]
EDUCATION & ACADEMIC HONORS[5] [edit | edit source]
Prof. Nagamani Srinath's academic record includes gold medals and scholarships.
- Scholarship in Carnatic Music by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, 1971[1] [5]
- Bachelor of Arts - 2nd Rank & Gold Medal, Mysore University, 1970[6]
- Master of Arts in Music - 1st Rank, Mysore University, 1976[1]
- Vidwat in Music - 1st Rank, Gold Medal, Government of Karnataka, 1971[1] [5]
- Post Graduate Diploma in Music - Gold Medal, Government of Tamil Nadu, 1973[1]
- Doctor of Literature (D.Litt) in Music from Tumkur University, 2014[1] [3]
- Top grade artist of AIR and Doordarshan, 2001 [1]
Career [edit | edit source]
Prof. Nagamani Srinath started performing Carnatic music as a teenager and has given concerts throughout India, including the Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha festival[2]. She has also taught many students, showcasing their progress in annual concerts, like the one in 2016 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Chennai. She advocates for more opportunities for Carnatic musicians in Karnataka and for greater recognition of classical music in state honors like the Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards[7]. In 2024, she published a book, "Antaraalada Alaapane[8]", discussing her experiences as a Carnatic vocalist.[1][3]
She has performed for All India Radio and Doordarshan[8], taking part in their national programs and radio concerts.
Prof. Nagamani Srinath served as Professor and Head of the Music Department at Maharani’s Arts and Commerce College under Mysore University and Bengaluru University[1][3][8]. She has also been a visiting faculty member at Bangalore University and Jain University.[1][3]
As a performer, she has presented Carnatic vocal concerts in India and countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. She has participated in festivals and cultural events, including the SAARC[8][4] cultural festival and concerts at the Madras Music Academy. She has also performed in broadcasts on All India Radio and Doordarshan.[2][1]
Additionally, she has taught Carnatic music to students both in India and abroad, using online platforms.[9]
Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]
- Rajyotsava Prashasti Award[7], in 1998
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award[9][6], in 2010
- Sangita Kala Acharya award from the Madras Music Academy for her work as a performer and teacher[10], in 2015
- Best Musician Award – Music Academy Madras[1][3]
- Gold Medal - M.A 1st Rank - Mysore University[8][3][2][1]
- Gold Medal - Post Graduate Diploma - 1st Rank - Tamilnadu Govt. [3][8][1]
- Gold Medal - 1st Rank - Vidwat - Govt. of Karnataka [1][3]
- Ganasaraswati - Sri. B.D. Jathi, Vice President of India[8][1]
- Karnataka Kalasri - Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy, 1997[6][10]
- Best Teacher Award - Collegiate Education, Karnataka State, 2003[3][1]
- Chowdiah National Award - Academy of Music, Bangalore, 2010 [3]
- Gaanakalabhooshana - Ganakala Parishat, Karnataka, 2010[8] [1]
- Puravankara Saangeetya Puraskar - Sangitya [1][3]
- Arya Batta Award [1][11]
- Mico Award - Mico Company [11]
- Kalabhooshana - Sri Tyagaraja Gana Sabha, 2010[7][8]
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Nagaratnamma, Minister, Karnataka, 2023 [1][2][4][7]
- Sambrama Puraskar - Governor of Karnataka (Kala Sambhrama), 2010 [4][3][10]
- Best Musician Award - Telugu Academy, Hyderabad [2][3]
- Ganakalasri - Ganakala Parishat [1][8]
- Sangeetha Saraswati - Udupi Pejawar Mutt [1][6][2]
Personal life[edit | edit source]
Nagamani Srinath lives in Mysore, where she continues to teach and perform. She participates in local festivals and supports efforts to promote Carnatic music.[1][3]
Works and Contributions [edit | edit source]
Prof. Nagamani Srinath has composed more than 200 musical pieces[3][4], including varnams, kritis, and tillanas in languages such as Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit. Her compositions are performed by various musicians and dancers[3][4].
She has developed educational materials, including audio CDs and DVDs, through projects like "Gurukula" and "Sangeeta Saadhane," which provide lessons on Carnatic music, covering theory and practice.[1]
She has written articles and books about music, focusing on composers like Shyama Shastri, Veena Kuppayyar, and Thiruvotriyur Tyagayyar[1].
As a director and producer, she has created thematic musical productions that blend music, dance, and drama. She also produced a television series called "Mysore Composers," which aired on Doordarshan.[3][8]
Sunaada Cultural Centre [edit | edit source]
Nagamani Srinath founded the Sunaada Cultural Centre in 1983[10]. This institution focuses on teaching Carnatic music using the traditional gurukula method and organizes workshops, festivals, and lectures. The centre also supports students at various levels of training.[11]
Other Roles [edit | edit source]
She has held various academic and cultural positions, including being a member of the "Sangeeta Nrutya Academy", "Government of Karnataka", serving as a jury member for All India Radio auditions, and being a member of boards of studies at different universities.[1][3][6]
Reception [edit | edit source]
Her performances have been reviewed in publications such as The Hindu[8][6] and Indian Express[8][1], highlighting her vocal range, respect for classical traditions, and unique presentation style.[2][11]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 "Nadatarangini - Mysore G.N. Nagamani Srinath". www.nadatarangini.org. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha concludes". The Hindu. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 "musicearn :: Performing Artist Management, Concert Management, Learning Network, Digital Library, Musician, Dancer, Connection, Campaign, Referral". www.musicearn.in. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "Dr. Nagamani Srinath – Soorya Performing Arts". www.sooryaperformingarts.org. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "musicearn :: Performing Artist Management, Concert Management, Learning Network, Digital Library, Musician, Dancer, Connection, Campaign, Referral". www.musicearn.in. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 "Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowships for four eminent artistes". The Hindu. 22 July 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Rajyotsava Awards". Karnataka Government. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 Govind, Ranjani (4 April 2024). "Vocalist Nagamani Srinath's book Antaraalada Alaapane to be released on April 7, is the first part of her autobiography". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Mysore Nagamani Srinath" (PDF). Sangeet Natak Akademi. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "The Sangita Kala Acharya awards will go to vocalist Mysore Nagamani Srinath and percussionist T.H. Subashchandran". Deccan Chronicle. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Classical music not adequately represented in Rajyotsava awards". Deccan Herald. 2 December 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2025.