Kanjira
“VADYA RATNA” Thanjavur Ramamurthy Kesavan
Tanjavur R. Kesavan is a renowned percussionist and a Nattuvangam artiste in the field of performing arts. Kesavan has illustrious lineage and belongs to a family dedicated to music for four generations.
Kesavan started learning Mridangam at a very early age of 6 years. By the age of 10 years, he was accompanying his father Ramamurthy Bhagavathar, who was a Harikatha exponent. Kesavan also accompanied the famous Thirumuruga Kirupanandha Variyar, a spiritual guru. Over the years, Kesavan has become an expert in playing other percussion instruments like Thavil, Kanjeera, Pakhawaj, and Ghatam with the same felicity and ease.
Kesavan feels pride with humility for all associated with him professionally, which has given him recognition and acclaim as a successful Mridangam and Nattuvangam artist of high repute in the country. He is an empanelled artist of ICCR and a “B High” graded artiste in All India Radio & Doordarshan.
ICCR and a “B High” Grade Artist
Kesavan has been imparting the art of Mridangam and has promoted many promising students. He has conducted ‘Mridangam Arangetrams’ for many of his disciples. Many of his students have also received various scholarships under his able guidance. He has given opportunities to many budding talents to be part of prestigious concerts. He is an expert in composing new Alarippu, Pushpanjali, Jatiswaram, Tillana, and many varieties of Jathis in various talams, which have been incorporated by art exponents in their presentations and productions.
His artistry with consistent technical perfection has made him a leading Mridangam artiste in New Delhi. Kesavan has managed to capture the hearts of music rasikas all over the world with his versatility and mastery performances. His fine musical instincts are imbibed from his great family lineage and traditions of his Guru Parampara.