Syamasundaram Ayyagari

Sri Ayyagari Syamasundaram is an exponent and highly reputed professional Veena vidwan. He was born in 1948 at Vizianagaram in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. He is the son of the late'Vainika Ratna' Sri Ayyagari Someswara Rao, a famous veena vidwan belonging to the Vizianagaram tradition well known for its Manodharma Sangeetham.

Syamasundaram gave his first stage performance when he was only 8 years old. He has is considered a master of the technique of veena playing. His music is regarded as aesthetically rich and belongs to the Gayaki style. He is known throughout India and the world for his musical talents.

Performances and awards

He has given concerts around the world and won many awards. He won the Best Veena Performance Award in the prestigious Madras Music Academy in 1978 and in Sri Krishna Gana Sabha in 1979.

He has received many titles like "Veena Vadya Vidya Visharada", "Sunada Sudhanidhi" & "Sangeetha Vidwanmani" for his excellence and command on veena at many leading Sabhas all over India.

He was awarded 'A' - Grade in All India Radio in 1978. As a senior 'A'- Grade Artist, Syamasundaram has been performing for All India Radio and Doordarshan for the last 28 years giving concerts, OBs, and National Channel recordings.

Memorable concerts

The highlights and memorable concerts of All India Radio & Doordarshan are:

* South Indian Hook up concert from Thiruvaiyaru, January 1983.
* All India Radio sangeeth sammelan concert September 1995.
* National programme of music of All India Radio March 2000.
* South Indian hook up programme of Doordarshan April 2000.
* National programme of music of Doordarshan Aug 2002.

He was invited to United States in 2001 and 2004 where he gave Several concerts in all important cities which were much appreciated by the Connoisseurs of Carnatic Music there. Some of the memorable performances were:

* TANA (Telugu Association of North America)
* Hindu Temple New Jersey.
* S.V.Temple of Pittsburgh.
* Hindu Temple of Atlanta
* Telugu Association in Detroit.
* Swamy Dayananda Saraswathi Ashram at Sailors Burg.
* Tamil Association in New York.
* Durga Temple New Jersey
* Sapna of Chicago.
* Chinmaya Vrindavan Cranberry, New Jersey

Compositions

Syamasundaram's innovative skills are evident from his orchestral compositions like "Thyagaraja Pancharatna Ooha Swara Tharangini", "Bhrama", "Viswa Sangeetha Parinamam" etc.

He has composed Music for several Yaksha Ganas and other Musical Features of All India Radio. One such feature "Nada Bandham" secured National award. He presented several recordings like "Prahlada Bhakthi Vijayam", "Nouka Charitam", "Sri Krishna Leela Tarangini" etc.

Teaching career

As an eminent teacher of vast experience he tutored a large number of performing artists who are giving concerts in All India Radio and Doordarshan, in addition to public performances. After serving as Principal in Andhra Pradesh Govt. Music Colleges for 20 years, he retired in December 2005 from G.V.R Govt. College of Music and Dance, Vijayawada.

He has now settled in Hyderabad and is continuing to serve the cause of music with equal devotion giving classes for advanced students in Veena, Vocal and theory, besides giving Veena performances. He is ably assisted in this work by his life partner and devoted disciple, Smt. Ayyagari Jayalakshmi Syamasundaram.

External links

* [http://www.syamveena.com Sri Ayyagari Syamasundaram's Web Site]