Ganapathi Bhatt

Pandit Ganapati Bhat ("Pandit" (Sanskrit, "learned") is honorific)is an Indian Hindustani classical vocalist. He lives and works in Hasanagi, a small village in the state of Karnataka in India.

Art and Career

Ganapati Bhat was passionate about Hindustani classical music right from a young age. He is a disciple of Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru, the maestro from Dharwad whose "gayaki"(singing style) inspires from the Kirana, the Gwalior and the Patiala gharanas.

Pandit Ganapati Bhat started his training in music as a sitarist, but was drawn into Hidustani vocal music. Pandit Bhat has enriched his style under the guidance of late Pandit C. R. Vyas as well. Panditji has made a mark with his mastery over melody and eligence. Pandit Bhat's performances are a reflection of his love for music and mastery in delivery. His renderings appear to evolve from a dedicated master that enjoys every moment of the performance. In his own words "Music is a divine language which surpasses words and springs out magic solely through raga and rhythm". Bhat has expanded the music horizon in a remarkable way.

Bhat trains young musicians in a Gurukula style setting in Hasanagi. It is heartening to see Panditji's Gurukul, echoing Ragas in an ancient traditional settings. Pandit Bhat's vedic heritage and a strong attachment to cultural roots is reflected very well in all corners of the Gurukula. Panditji's admiration for music is evident by the number of artists, both Hindustani and Carnatic style, that have performed in annual Sangeet Sammelana hosted by the Gurukula.

Pandit Bhat has performed in all th major Hindustani forums in India and abroad. His third tour to the United States of America, starts in May 2008. In his last two trips to the US, Bhat had concerts at Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York, San Francisco, Washington etc.

Early life

Pandit Ganapati Bhat completed his secondary school education in the nearby Manchikeri village and did his higher studies in music at the Karnataka College, Dharwad. Mostly, the upcoming musicians move from villages to big cities, but he did not move away from his village but brought music to his village. He has educated the entire village of Hasanagi in music.

External links

* [http://video.webindia123.com/interviews/singers/panditganapathi/index.htm Interview with Pandit]
* [http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE120071025003717&Title=Bangalore&rLink=0 About Pandit]
* [http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/04/08/stories/2005040802380200.htm Hindu on pandit]
* [http://www.thehindujobs.com/thehindu/fr/2007/03/30/stories/2007033001750200.htm Pandit's disciple]