Dr M Chandrasekaran

Well known vetran in violinist, past seven decades , travelled widely across the Globe. Dr. M. Chandrasekaran, a top-ranking Carnatic violin maestro, has had a remarkable career spanning over six decades. Born on December 11, 1937, into a family of traditional musicians, he was initiated into music by his mother, the late Smt. Charubala Mohan — his sole guru on the violin. Gifted with a prodigious talent, he gave his first public performance at the age of eleven at Thyagaraja Vidwath Samajam, Mylapore, in 1949. He soon won the Best Violinist Award from the Music Academy, Chennai, in 1950 — setting the stage for an illustrious musical journey. Renowned for his unique style marked by melodic richness, tonal purity, and rhythmic depth, Dr. Chandrasekaran’s music blends intellectual depth with aesthetic finesse. His playing is known for emulating the tonal texture of instruments like the Nadaswaram and Shehnai. Equally admired for his humility, he is regarded not only as a master accompanist but also as a powerful soloist. Over the decades, he has accompanied virtually every stalwart in Carnatic music — including legends like Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, G.N. Balasubramaniam, Madurai Mani Iyer, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M.L. Vasanthakumari, Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, and many more. He has also received praise from violin legends like Mysore T. Chowdiah and Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu, and from Nadaswaram maestro T.N. Rajarathinam Pillai. A talented vocalist as well, Dr. Chandrasekaran trained under several renowned gurus including Mannargudi Sambasiva Bhagavathar and Kumbakonam Viswanatha Iyer. His vocal renditions are known for their depth and are often featured in his violin solos. He has participated in every Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan since its inception in 1955. Dr. Chandrasekaran has performed across India and internationally in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. He and his daughter, violinist Smt. G. Bharathi, notably performed in aid of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in 1984. His contributions have been widely recognized: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1986), Kalaimamani (1982), Sangeetha Kalanidhi (2005) from the Music Academy, and numerous other prestigious titles and honors. In 2012, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the highest recognition in Indian performing arts. He also holds an honorary doctorate from Tumkur University. A prolific composer and educator, Dr. Chandrasekaran has served as a visiting professor, conducted lecture-demonstrations, and mentored several accomplished musicians, including his children – violinist G. Bharathi and flautist Murali. He founded the Charubala Mohan Trust in 1998 to promote Carnatic music and honor veteran artists. In 2018, his 80th birthday was celebrated with the release of the documentary “Against All Odds”. He continues to inspire young talents globally, particularly through frequent visits to the USA, mentoring debut performances in collaboration with mridangist Ramesh Srinivasan.