Lalgudi Jayaraman

Born in 1930, Lalgudi Jayaraman is the leading Carnatic violinist. He studied with his father, Lalgudi V.R.Gopalaiyer, and belongs to the direct sissya-parampara of Thyagaraja.

Lalgudi Jayaraman’s style is noted for its chastity and ease. Besides being a violinist of distinction, he is also a composer with a number of Varnams and tillanas to his credit. He has performed widely, playing at the Edinburgh Festival in Britain, and also in U.S.A., Canada, Switzerland and other countries.

He has received Kalaimamani title from the Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram and is one of the State Musicians of Tamil Nadu. He is also an Asthana vidwan of the Tirupati Devasthanam.

He was hnoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Carnatic instrumental music in 1978.

G.J.R. Krishnan and J.Vijayalakshmi, son and daughter of Lalgudi Jayaraman, have received intensive training under their father. They are among the finest violinists of the younger generation.