M.A. Narasimhachar, a senior carnatic musician and musicologist, passed away on July 7, 2004 at Bangalore. He was 83.
The senior musician was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for the year 2003.
Narasimhachar trained under stalwarts like Tiger Varadachar, Tanjore Ponniah Pillai and Sabesha Iyer. He also received the title of 'Sangeetha Bhushana' from Annamalai University.
He started his own school of music, 'Gana Kala Mandira' in the year 1942, in Bangalore. Presently, the classes are conducted here by his daughters M.A Meera and M.A. Mythily.
In recognition of his services in the field of Music, Narasimhachar was conferred the title of 'Gana Kala Bhushana' by the Karnataka Ganakala Parishad, 'Karnataka Kala Tilaka' by the Sangeetha Nrithya Academy, and the 'Rajya Sangeetha Vidwan' award by the Government of Karnataka.
Some of his notable music productions are: Nowka Charita (Thyagaraja's musical opera); Pallaki Seva Prabhanda (King Serfoji's musical opera); Guruguha Stuthi (A collection of Dikshitar's compositions, Navavidha Bhakti); 'Alakalalla' of Thyagaraja; and compositions of Walajapet Venkataraman Bhagavathar.
His students and children started a music foundation in his name, 'M.A.Narasimhachar Music Foundation' (MANMF), in 2001. The objectives of this Foundation are: to provide a platform to the young musicians, honor one eminent artiste every year and confer the title of 'Gaana Vaaridhi'
Also, the Foundation conducts a music festival every year during Nov-Dec. at Gayana Samaja, Bangalore.
Contact: M.A.Srikishan, Secretary, MANMF, at kish@vsnl.net or call 26761695 at Bangalore, India.
