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The Lalgudi tradition of classical music
needs no introduction to music connoisseurs, since its richness
in aesthetics, melody, patantara, performing perfection, and
absolute laya control have been deeply etched in the minds
for the past more than six decades ever since Padma Bhushan
Lalgudi Sri G Jayaraman entered the scene of Carnatic music
as a young violin artist. Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and Lalgudi
Vijayalakshmi, the children and worthy disciples of the great
maestro are superb standard bearers of this unique Bani that
is perhaps the most eloquent in capturing the mood and essence
of South Indian Music. Vijayalakshmi grew up in atmosphere
reverberating with rich music. When only two, she could identify
the solfa syllables in any musical phrase. She commenced her
lessons at the age of six under the watchful eyes of her perfectionist
father. At thirteen, she went on stage for the first time
with her father. Since then, she has been performing regularly
in violin duets and trios with her father Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman
and brother Krishnan. She has travelled widely on concert
tours both in India and abroad, and has performed in countries
all over the world, including the U.S.A, Canada, the U.K.,
Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia,
Indonesia and Middle East. Vijayalakshmi also has the credit
of leading a music ensemble of the Violin, the Venu or flute
and the Veena. This is a concept originally introduced by
Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman. Vijayalakshmi has led the ensemble
in over 50 concerts all over India. In recent years, she also
has provided superb violin accompaniment to several leading
musicians. With her ability to easily blend with the vocalists'
style, while at the same time asserting her individuality,
she is today a much sought after accompanist.
Vijayalakshmi's musical persona has another dimension: she
has made her mark as a vocalist as well. She has given several
vocal concerts in many of the Sabhas in Chennai, as well as
on All India Radio. Besides, she has lent hervoice to a few
dance drama productions, notably Jaya Jaya Devi. She also
has to her credit a few vocal cassettes, such as 'Ganesha
Gana Manjari' and 'Lalgudi lineage'. Recently she gave Vocal
concerts in Muscat and Melbourne both of which received rave
reviews.
Her talent and industry have won her recognition in the form
of several awards and titles. In 1979, she was adjudged the
Best Junior Instrumentalist by the Sri Krishna Gana Sabha
in Madras. In 1990, she was conferred the Creatalent award
in recongnition of their music. In 1993, she received the
Yuva Kala Bharati from Bharat Kalachar. Vijayalakshmi received
the 'Kalki Krishnamoorthy Memorial Award' at Chennai in the
Kalki Krishnamoorthy Centenary Year in September 1998, from
the 'Kalki Krishnamoorthy Memorial Trust'. She received the
'Best Accompanist Award' from the prestigious Music Academy
for the year 2002.
The demands of her profession notwithstanding, Vijayalakshmi
has acquitted herself creditably in academics as well. She
holds a Master of Arts in English Literature and followed
it up with a Diploma in Music. Vijayalakshmi has reached the
top rungs in the ladder of recognition not due to chance or
accident, but only because of focus, dedication and ceaseless
hours of concentrated practice, and a fierce determination
to excel.
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