BRIEF BIODATA OF MANJULA SURENDRA

Mysore, an erstwhile princely state, which forms part of Karnataka, is known for its rich musical heritage. It has perfected a technique of Veena that exemplifies the tonal quality of the instrument, which is supposed to have been played by Goddess Saraswathi & Sage Narada. In Mysore, names like Veene Sheshanna and Veene Subbanna have become synonymous with this melodious instrument and the artists of today are the inheritors of this technique.

Little About Myself..

I consider it an honor and a blessing to be associated with the rich school of Veena playing called the Mysore Bani.

Initiated into music by my father late. Sri. Subramanya Bhatt, mother Smt. Usha Bhatt and Uncle Vid. Sri. Sripada Bhatt, I had my initial training from Vidhu. Smt. Gnanambal.

I continued my training with Late. Mysore. Sri. C. Krishnamurthy ( disciple of Dr. V. Doreswamy Iyengar). Presently I am under the able guidance of Ganakalasri Vid. D. Balakrishna (son and disciple of Padmabhushan Dr. V. Doreswamy Iyengar) and Ganakalasri. Vidhu. Smt. M.S. Sheela.

I have passed the junior, senior & vidwat exams with a rank and have over 15 years of experience conducting veena classes. I am currently a "B-High" grade-performing artiste of AIR Bangalore, awaiting the upgrading results.

Awards......

• Recipient of Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy Scholarship
• Received the professional scholarship from the Human Resource Development, Govt. of India.
• Best Musician Award at the Bangalore Gayana Samaja

Performances..

I have had the honor to accompany my gurus on various occasions during their performances. Some of the notable ones were held at the

• Malleshwaram Sangeetha Sabha
• Karnataka Ganakala Parishat
• Bangalore Gayana Samaja
• Veene Sheshanna Bhavan,
• Mysore Music Academy,
• Trichy Swathi Tirunal Festival
• Doordarshan and AIR

Solo Performances.......

A partial listing of my solo performances include:

• Bangalore Gayana Samaja
• Karnataka Gana Kala Parihsat
• Ananya Music Conference
• Ananya Sangathi Concerts series
• Ragam Tanam Pallavi Concert At Ananya under the aegis of Dr.V. Doreswamy Iyengar endowment trust
• Rmv Sangeetha Sabha sponsored by the Dept of Kannada and Culture.
• Indian Institute of World Culture
• Devagiri Sangeetha Sabha
• Ganasudha Sangeetha Sabha, Hubli
• Academy of Music, Chowdaiah Memorial Hall

Special Performances.......

• Cultural Exchange Programme held at Tripura by the Sangeetha Nrutya Academy, Govt. of India and the Department of Kannada and Culture, Govt. of Karnataka.
• Music Conference of the Sangeetha Nritya Academy at Somnathpur.
• Yuvajana Sangeetha Nrityotsava conducted by the South Central Zone Cultural Centre,Nagpur.
• As a member of the National Orchestral Group named "Bharathiya Vadya Jhenkar" conceived by none other than Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, I performed at the National Youth Award festival at Indira Gandhi Stadium New Delhi and featured in the National hookup during the Nehru Centenary Celebrations.
• Member of the Panchaveena ensemble that was featured in the documentary on Dr. V. Doreswamy Iyengar, produced by Sri. M.V Krishnaswamy.
• Performed for the South Zone hookup of the All India Radio.
• Contributed to the Archival Production on Veene Sheshanna's compositions conceptualized by the All India Radio.

Favorable Media Response......

"....She displayed an excellent command over laya combined with keen aesthetic sense to make the concert an enjoyable one."

Concert at Devagiri Sangeetha Sabha under the ageis of Ananya Sangathi, 2004

THE HINDU

"Manjula Surendra provided fluent music with her quiet and peaceful veena recital. She showed uncommon instrumental skill and emphasized the musical value. Her concert resembled a major performance in terms of tonal vitality and gamaka awareness".

Concert at Suchitra Film Society Auditorium under the ageis of Percussive art center,2004.

THE TIMES OF INDIA

REMARKABLE SKILL. Manjula presented an outstanding veena recital. Her playing technique and sense of raga and swara were remarkable. The music was fluent. The Ragam Tanam & Pallavi in Bhairavi set to an intricate cycle made even senior Vainikas wonder at her artistry.

At the Bangalore Gayana Samaja, 1989

THE HINDU

"..............The most favourable impression was made by Manjula Surendra She is a young Veena player of high calibre who has equipped herself considerably. Her technique , tone and gamaka production are commendable......."

At the Bangalore Gayana Samaja, 1989

SRUTHI, Madras

( Indian Classical Music and Dance Magazine)

Media Response when as an accompanying artist to my Guru.......

"..........the concert served a feast of melody and creativity bearing an authentic signature of mastery over shastra and technique resting on fertile "Manodharma". Tranquility and not gimmick was the ruling mood in which the rasikas could enjoy chaste music. Manjula's second veena support enhanced the melody of the concert".

At veene Sheshanna Bhavana, Mysore, 1990

STAR OF MYSORE, Mysore

"........His disciple Manjula on the second veena not only proved her latent talents but also was successful as a worthy disciple of an accomplished Guru."

At Ramanavami festival concert under the ageis of Ramaseva Mandali

THE HINDU

".................He was brilliantly supported by his disciple Manjula on the second veena............"

At Academy of Music, Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, 2001

THE TIMES OF INDIA