Profile of Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi
Among the many accolades and awards Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi has earned in her journey as a musician, there is one she holds close to her heart – a compliment from Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, who was the guest of honour at her performance at the Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego, United States, in 2015. Following her performance, Panditji offered his blessings, took her hands into his own, and said “You have your father’s fingers. Your music has touched my soul.”
Lalgudi G J R Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi
In the context of classical violinists in India, Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi occupy pride of place. They are the torchbearers of the venerable Lalgudi tradition – pioneered and nurtured by their father and guru, Padma Bhushan Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. The brother and sister duo is the fifth generation in a family of musicians, whose first, Lalgudi Rama Iyer, was a direct disciple of Saint Thyagaraja. Though rooted firmly and proudly in the Lalgudi bani, Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi have each created their own individual styles which complement one another. The duo’s music is an interesting study in contrasts. Together, their music is classical, but refreshingly contemporary; its form and feel are minimalist, but at its core, it is intricately complex and layered. Their instrumental mastery combined with musical acumen and creativity have made them immensely popular and won them a unique place in Carnatic music.
