A musician’s musician
It is never easy to summarize what makes one who is. Describing him as with a creative mind with multiple layers of intriguing interests, a scholar’s intellect with an untiring pursuit for more, and a compassionate heart that revels in company of musicians and music lovers, is certainly not justice enough. Many see him as a unique musician, an accomplished performer, an erudite scholar, an inspiring Guru, an innovative educator, an eternal learner and a friendly celebrity.
Shri Neyveli Santhanagopalan is one of the rare and unparalleled musicians who strive to uphold the BaaNi that he hails from, reminding the audiences of various doyens from the past, with his perfect individual music style of classical traditionalism. Neyveli Santhanagopalan is an internationally acclaimed senior Carnatic musician who is known for concerts marked with traditional classicism with ‘Bhakthi’ (devotion) and ‘Bhava’ (emotion) spiritually elevating his music to the pedestal of divinity.
He is an expert performer who portrays vivid, sometimes subtly flashy images of innovation even in traditional ragas. His simple yet elegant approach qualifies him as a fine performer. He has given critically acclaimed concerts in Vidwathsabhas in the presence of other erudite musicians and has been recognized with several accolades and titles.
He is also an excellent speaker known for his wit, timing and sense of humor which make him a very wholesome entertainer and performer. He is an erudite scholar and musicologist with excellent theoretical depth. This multi-faceted musician is also proficient in playing veena and percussion instruments with distinct strength in ‘laya’ exposition. He has given several veena concerts in India and abroad. He is an A-top grade artist in both All India Radio and Doordarshan and is recipient of several laurels, titles and awards. His famous programmes including SaRiGaMaPa in Jaya TV, Shri Neyveli Santhanagopalan has become a household name conquering his innumerable rasikas. His innovative projects such as Charangi’s ‘Ragas through pallavis’ have not only inspired budding musicians but also educated rasikas alike. Shri Santhanagopalan is a brilliant Vaggeyakara (composer).
His krithis such as Kamala malarinai (Hamsadhwani), Nin PadaBhajaname (Malayamarutham), Enna SolliVazhthuveno (Dhanyasi) are rich in poetic beauty, raga bhavam and subtle swaraksharas. Among his numerous other contributions, his compositions for the operatic Ramayana is particularly noteworthy and this dance drama was staged successfully all over Chennai, India and Cleveland, USA in 2011. He has tuned and presented a treasurable collection of Tiruppugazh, Thevaram and other literary pieces in Tamil. He is an inspiring Guru, with keen focus on student’s musical and personal growth and his Neyveli Gurukulam has blossomed into a global musical family.
Guru Neyveli takes pride in grooming teachers who, in turn, can mold students while still upholding the rich heritage. With several of his students bearing the torch he has lit with his passion, unconditional love and staunch learning standards, Shri Santhanagopalan is more than a Guru- he is a true friend, philosopher and guide. He is a living visionary who foresaw how deep-rooted traditional classicism can still be propagated through today’s technology.
His article titled “e-Guru, Guru and You-Guru” in Hindu dated 28th Dec 2010 is a testimony to his adaptability and vision. Hundreds of students worldwide have benefitted from his traditional gurukulam teaching and also with his e-learning modules of NSG Net Learning programmes.
Shri Neyveli Santhanagopalan is well known all over the world and he has represented influenced and preserved our rich culture in several ways and in the process, has touched several hearts. He is truly an endearing personality who values personal connection.
Awards and Recognition
Shri Neyveli Santhanagopalan has been awarded with many awards. To name a few,
He has been Honoured with :
- “Mahaperiyava” Award
- “SANGEET NAATAK AKADEMI” Award by the Central Govt of India.
- “KALAIMAMANI AWARD” by Tamil Nadu Govt.
- “MUDRA AWARD” of Excellence
- “SANGEETHA CHOODAMANI” by Krishna Gana Sabha.
- “Papanasam Sivan Award” by the Papanasam Sivan Sangeetha Sabha.
- “ARCHARYA RATHNAKARA” Award by the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Committee.
- “PRAGYA AWARD” by Andhra Cultural & Welfare Society, New Delhi.
- “SATHYA SANGEETHA VAGGEYA SUNDARAM” by Bharathanjali Trust.
- “SAPTHAGIRI SANGEETHA VIDWANMANI” by Sri Thygaraja Festival Committee, Tirupathy.
- “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award” by the Bharathi Vidhya Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai.
- The title “THAMIZH ISAI VENDHAR” by Karthik Fine Arts, Chennai.