CHENNAI: Friday witnessed the eighth Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal being conferred to the Lalgudi siblings and violin duo — Vijayalakshmi and Krishnan — in an extravagant ceremony held at the Music Academy in the city.
Instituted by Mallika Srinivasan, in memory of her mother Indira Sivasailam, the medal aims to recognise and reward Carnatic musicians at their prime. “This is the first time instrumentalists have been conferred this prestigious medal. I would like everyone to know that the siblings were chosen unanimously by the endowments committee,” said Mallika Srinivasan.
“The violin siblings were selected for their immaculate performances, their efforts to disseminate knowledge on the Lalgudi bani and their unique ability to innovate within the Carnatic music framework,” said N Murali, president, The Music Academy.
Vijayalakshmi credited her brother for raising the bar and pushing her limits. “Every single concert is a learning experience for me...my anna is one of the reasons I am standing in front of you in this beautiful evening,” she added.
Krishnan smiled and said, “We place this honour at the feet of our beloved guru and mother.”
The fifth generation musicians and torch bearers of the Lalgudi bani rendered a concert after the award ceremony, which cast a magical spell on the packed house consisting of ardent Carnatic music enthusiasts, bringing to an end a rather glittery evening.