Avasavala Kanyakumari is a native of Vijayanagaram, Andhra Pradesh and has been living in Chennai for more than 4 decades. She belongs to a family of musicians. Her parents Sri Avasarala Ramarathnam and Smt.Jayalakshmi encouraged her immensely to pursue music. She was fortunate to be a sishya (disciple) of 3 great legendary gurus,Sri Ivaturi Vijeswara Rao,Sri M.Chandrasekharan and Smt.M.L.Vasanthakumari.
Listening to her sparkling brighas and intricate sangatis while she had just started to tread her musical journey, the respected music critic Sri.Subbudu compared her music to the ever glittering diamond stud in the nose ring of the goddess Kanyakumari. Ever since she has received innumerable accolades and praise from audiences worldwide and discerning critics for her innovation,accompaniment and solo performances while at the same time strictly adhering to the carnatic music tradition. She has presented carnatic music with a special sheen and lustre making it truly appealing. Needless to say it is her dedication and sincere hardwork along with the able guidance of her gurus Sri.Ivaturi Vijeshwara Rao,Sri M.Chandrasekharan and Smt.M.L.Vasanthakumari which have groomed her into a front ranking violinist. Her extensive experience spanning more than 4 decades combined with a sharp acumen and fine sense of creativity has earned her a distinct place.She has evolved her own style of melodious playing and silken bowing which closely resembles vocal music rhapsodizing audiences all over.
Innovations and Challenging Feats She has many successful creative innovations to her credit. "Vadya Lahari" her brain child is a new combo of the violin,veena and Nadaswaram. "Tristhayi sangamam" Confluence of 3 violins playing in different octaves portraying a special dimension. "Carnatic Music Ensembles" of 25,50,75 and 100 violins as well as 100 instrument ensemble commemorating the millennium A music piece "100 ragamalika swarams" which exposes her dexterity in bringing out the raga swaroopam in just one avarthana each. 29 hours non stop marathon performance
She has dedicated her life to music and is grateful to the Almighty,Gurus,Parents,
AWARDS & HONOURS
Many prestigious awards and titles have been bestowed upon her.Some of them include
- Kalaimamani from Govt. of Tamil Nadu
- Ugadi Puraskarfrom Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
- Top Rank by A.I.R
- Honarary citizenship of the state of Maryland,U.S
- TTK Award from the Music Academy,Chennai
- Asthana Viidushi of Sringeri Sarada Peetam,Ahobila Mutt and Avadhoota Peetam
- "Saptagiri sangeetha vidwanmani from Sri Tyagaraja Festival Committee in Tirupathi.
- Dhanurveena Praveena, a title bestowed on her by M.S. Subbulakshmi, commemorating Kanyakumari's 25 years in concerts
- Sangeeta Kala Nipuna, from the Mylapore Fine Arts Club, 2002
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, 2003
- She was selected for Limca Book of Records 2004 for her various achievements in music as a versatile woman violinist.
TEACHING
She is a dedicated teacher and has taught numerous students in India and abroad,many of who are very popular artistes. She teaches without a price tag and generously encourages students to participate in full measure.
Courtesy -- Wikipedia
