Mridangam Arangetram: Ajit Ashok (Grandson and disciple of K.S. Kalidas) w/ Brindha Manickavasakan - Sun May 29th

[gardabha_gana]

Vid. Brindha Manickavasakan - Vocal
Vid. R. Raghul - Violin
Master Ajit Ashok - Mridangam (Grandson and Disciple of Vid. K.S. Kalidas)
Vid B.S. Purushotham - Kanjira


Venue: Ragasudha Hall, Mylapore
Time: 6:00 PM
Date: May 29, Sunday


Chief Guests:
Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. M. Chandrasekharan
Sangettha Kalanidhis Bombay Sisters Smt. Saroja and Smt. Lalitha

Webcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eVZYUC6RpM

Biography of Master Ajit Ashok:
Thirteen year old Ajit Ashok is a Class IX student of Vidya Mandir, Mylapore. He has been trained in mridangam by his grandfather, Vidwan Sri K.S. Kalidas for the past 6 years. His father, Dr. K. Ashok is himself a mridangam artist, graded ‘A’ by AIR and playing regularly in concerts, while his mother, Radhika is a student of Western Classical Music. Both his parents have been fully behind Ajit’s musical progress. Besides academics, he is a good tennis player and has done well in several tournaments in the junior circuit. He has also won prizes in mridangam in competitions conducted by his school.

Guru Vid. K.S.Kalidas
Seventy eight year old mridanga vidwan K.S. Kalidas is a direct disciple of all-time great mridangam and kanjira maestro, Late Palani Sri M. Subramania Pillai. Although he did not take up mridangam playing as his profession (he worked in Indian Railways as a senior officer), he remained true to his master’s style in letter and spirit. During his performing career from 1968 to 2000, he has accompanied almost all leading artists of the day. He has been an ‘A’ grade artist of AIR for 30 years. He takes keen interest in listening to, and encouraging young musical talent and is a prolific writer and speaker on subjects relating to music. He is also training a number of students strictly in the style established by his guru and many of his disciples are graded artists of AIR and are popular concert artists. Incidentally, his son, Dr. Ashok and both his grandchildren Rohit and Ajit are his disciples.

[thanjavooran]

Wishing the Arangetram a grand success. Blessings to Ch. Ajit Ashok.
Thanjavooran
28 05 2016

[Nick H]

I always look forward to Brinda's concerts.

In this instance, I am also looking forward to seeing another member of this family ascending the stage.