L. Athira Krishna

Aathira Krishna
Also known as Violin Aathira /Athira/ L. Athira Krishna/L. Athira
Origin Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
Genres Carnatic Music, Indian Classical Music, Carnatic Violin, World, Jazz, Fusion
Occupation(s) Violinist, singer, composer
Instruments Violin, Viola
Website athira.in

Aathira Krishna is a prominent Indian violinist. Hailing from a musical family in Kerala, one of her ancestors was Vidwan Shri Gopala Pillai, a musician who belonged to the renowned Tanjore Tradition of Carnatic music. Aathira is the recipient of many recognitions, including the Guinness World Record for her unique 32-hour-long non-stop Carnatic violin solo concert. She is among the youngest cultural ambassadors of India, taking the rich Indian classical music tradition to the nooks and corners of the world through her violin solo concerts and lec-dems.

Life

Early years

Aathira is the daughter of Sri. K. C. Krishna Pillai and Smt. S. Leela Kurup. Growing up within one of Kerala's most acclaimed musical families, she had her intensive training under her grandfather Sangitha Vidwan. Sri Gopala Pillai at an early age. Athira also inherited the intricacies of South Indian classical music from her father acclaimed musician and noted Veena Player Sangitha Vidwan. Sri K. C. Krishna.

Athira showed prodigious music talent even as a toddler, when she would repeat back musical phrases she heard her father sing; her father is himself an established Veena Vidwan and vocalist.

Career

Aathira switched over to violin from vocal at the age of eight and was soon hailed a child prodigy. She started performing across the globe as a Carnatic Violin soloist from the age of 9.

Popularly hailed as the "Princess of Indian Violin", and aptly honoured by the former First Lady of India Smt. Usha Narayanan as "The Musical Gem of India", Athira has represented Indian classical music at prestigious international music festivals.

Aathira had the rare honour to be invited twice to perform at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Official Residence of the President of India, before two former presidents of India, (both late) A.P.J.Abdul Kalam and K.R.Narayan.

In 2001, as a child prodigy representing Indian classical music, Aathira presented a paper presentation on "Violin in South Indian Classical Music" for the prestigious International Children's Assembly held at New Delhi.

In 2002, Aathira had the honour of presenting a unique thematic 'World Music Night' incorporating music genres of more than 20 nations for the year-long Millennium Celebrations in Kazakizhtan aiming at integration through music in the new millennium.

In 2003, Aathira entered the acclaimed Guinness Book of World Records for her unique 32-hour-long non-stop South Indian classical violin concert dedicated to global peace and harmony. This musical extravaganza titled 'Nadhabrahma' was also a tribute to her eminent grandfather. Athira also holds a place in the acclaimed Limca Book of Records for the same feat.

Aathira was among the youngest of speakers for the Lecture Demonstration Section of Internal MuSIC Festival in Russia on the topic "VIOLIN IN INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC".

In 2005 Aathira was specially invited by the Mayor of Menden, Germany to perform at the prestigious international music festival Jazz Meets Classics. Athira also became the first Indian classical musician ever to perform at the famed 1000-year-old church at Kaiserwerth, Germany.

In 2005 Aathira was invited to give the Inaugural Concert for the 74th birthday celebration of President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who praised Athira saying it was "the best birthday present he had ever received".

Aathira has had the rare fortune of exchanging musical notes with the likes of Yehudi Menuhin, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Balamurali Krishna, Pandit Jasraj etc.

Lauded by connoisseurs and laymen alike, the music that cascades from Aathira's violin has been described as unique, sublime, spell binding and brilliant. With immaculate fingering and bowing techniques, her violin playing is replete with ragabhava, and has a good command over all aspects of laya. Blending of her knowledge of western classical violin techniques to her Indian classical playing, she is also known for her highly advanced skills in playing the violin in a spiritual and virtuoso manner. Her Music renamed her as VIOLIN AATHIRA.

She has enthralled audiences across the world including performances for prestigious International Music Festivals in India and abroad including Russia, Muscat, Doha, the Middle East, Germany, Behrin, Kirgiztan, Singapore, Kazakhstan etc.

Aathira has also given numerous "Trans Global Fusion" concerts and lecture demonstrations on Indian classical music at numerous World Music festivals.

Awards & Rare Recognitions

‘ Outstanding Young Achievers of India',2011.

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