Ganesh and Kumaresh

Ganesh and Kumaresh
Ganesh and Kumaresh
	Ganesh and Kumaresh at IIM Bangalore
Background information
Also known as	Violin Brothers / Fiddling Monks
Genres	Carnatic music
Years active	1972 - Present
Website	www.ganeshkumaresh.org

Ganesh and Kumaresh are an Indian duo of violinists known for their contributions to the Carnatic music tradition of South India.^[1]^[2] The brothers are recognised as modern contemporary artists in "Sastriya Sangitam". They were honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2018 for Carnatic Instrumental Music (Violin).^[3] Kumaresh's wife, Jayanthi Kumaresh, is a renowned Veena player.

Early life

Ganesh and Kumaresh were born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1964 and 1967, respectively. Their father, Sri T.S. Rajagopalan, was employed with the Life Insurance Corporation of India. Their musical training began at home at the early ages of 3 and 2, respectively, under the guidance of their father, who also taught other students in the neighbourhood.^[4]

Music career

Ganesh and Kumaresh not only perform but also compose music for films and dance productions. They have contributed music to movies such as Dance Like a Man and Chandrikai. Their musical style, Raga Pravaham, explores the intricacies of Indian ragas and talas.

They have performed at numerous global festivals in countries and regions including India, the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Maldives, and Australia.

They also appeared in a Doordarshan Bharati musical advertisement for national unity, alongside veterans from music, sports, and other fields, representing their respective disciplines.

Ganesh Rajagopalan is currently an active member of Shakti, which won the Best Global Music Album award at the 2024 Grammys for their comeback album This Moment.

Discography

Colours of India
Navarasa
Shadjam
Aksharam
Carnatic Chills
Expressions
Samarpan
Brahmma
Seasons
Aditya
Vasantham
Bowing with Passion

Music Singles

Milky way
Flights of Anjaneya
Modi
Begada
Nalinakanti

Awards

Grammy Award 2023 for the Album Shakti - This Moment
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2018
Academy of Music Chowdiah Award 2016
Asthana Vidwans of the Sri Matam of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and Sringeri Sharada Madhom
Dwaram Venkata Swami Naidu Award
Titles: Kalaimamani, Sunaada Sironmani, Sangeetha Saragnya, Sarasa Gaana Praveena, and others

References

^ "Immersed in the Splendour". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
^ Shyamhari Chakra. "Music Beyond Boundaries". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
^ "The Sangeet Natak Akademi Announces Its Winners for the Year 2018". The Indian Express. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
^ "Meeting the 'fiddling monk'". Deccan Herald. 9 December 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2023.

[1] "Immersed in the Splendour". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 18 February 2012.

[2] Shyamhari Chakra. "Music Beyond Boundaries". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 February 2012.

[3] "The Sangeet Natak Akademi Announces Its Winners for the Year 2018". The Indian Express. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2022.

[4] "Meeting the 'fiddling monk'". Deccan Herald. 9 December 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2023.

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v t e Shakti
Years given are for the recording(s), not first release, unless stated otherwise. John McLaughlin Shankar Mahadevan Zakir Hussain Ganesh Rajagopalan V. Selvaganesh L. Shankar Ramnad Raghavan T. H. Vinayakram
Studio albums	A Handful of Beauty (1976) Natural Elements (1977) This Moment (2023)
Live albums	Shakti (1975)
As Remember Shakti	Remember Shakti (1997) The Believer (released 2000) Saturday Night in Bombay (released 2001)