All you need to know about Padma Vibhushan Dr. L Subramaniam, the global ambassador of the Violin

Dr L Subramaniam is a renowned violinist

There are very few names and equivalents in the world of music other than Dr. L. Subramaniam. Virtuoso violinist, master improviser and composer, and creator of his own genre of South Indian classical music, fusion and world, he is India's musical ambassador and the founder of the Simply Mystic Music (SMM) record label.

In a career of over fifty years, Dr. Subramaniam has influenced the way in which the violin is perceived and played all over, both in Indian Classical venues and the world over.

Early life and musical background

Lakshminarayana Subramaniam was born on July 23, 1947, in Madras (now Chennai) and raised in a musical household. The Late Professor V. Lakshminarayana, His father, was one of the greatest violinists and an inspiration for young Subramaniam's training.

Subramaniam was a child prodigy; he began learning the violin when he was just five. Although he was urged to pursue a degree in medicine, he developed a great interest in music. He went on to pursue a master's degree in Western Classical Music at the California Institute of the Arts, mastering the playing of the violin in both Indian classical music and Western classical music.

Musical journey: Connecting cultures

One of the few artists in the world who is equally skilled in the South Indian classical (Carnatic) music tradition and in Western classical music. His amazing fusion of Indian traditions and world sounds has placed him in a class of his own in world fusion music.

Highlights of his career:

Carnatic Maestro: Known for his depth, technique, and style in his Carnatic violin playing. He has played in thousands of concerts in live performances all over the world.

Worldwide Collaborations: He has collaborated with world-famous artists of all kinds of music, such as;

Yehudi Menuhin (a legend in Western classical violin)

Stéphane Grappelli (jazz fiddler)

Stevie Wonder (pop icon)

The Beatles) (ENG George Harrison of the Beatles

Herbie Hancock (jazz pianist)

Zubin Mehta (conductor)

As a film composer, Subramaniam has written scores for Salaam Bombay! (Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film) and Mississippi Masala.

Symphonic Works: His symphonic works, including the Global Symphony and the Fantasy on Vedic Chants, have been performed by major orchestras worldwide.

Important performances

Performed at the United Nations for the UN Day Concert.

Performed at Melbourne Symphony Orchestra & London Philharmonic Orchestra shows.

You rubbed shoulders with the world's most powerful people.

Accolades and recognition

Below is a list of awards received by Dr. Subramaniam:

Padma Bhushan (2001) – India's third-highest civilian award.

Padma Shri (1988)

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

2011 - Isai Perarignar Award from Tamil Isai Sangam

Nada Chakravarti and Violin Chakravarti books

He is considered one of the greatest violinists and composers of our period at the international level.

Personal life

Personal Swarakalpana Dr. Subramaniam is married to famous playback vocalist Vijayashree(Viji) Subramaniam, with whom he worked on a number of projects before her death. He later got married to Bollywood playback singer Kavita Krishnamurti and established a strong companion in music. Together, they have travelled the world over, enchanting audiences with their beautiful music that traverses the boundaries of settled places.

He is the founder of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF), one of India's biggest music festivals, in memory of his father. It has showcased world-renowned artists and helped facilitate cross-cultural exchanges.

Legacy and influence

Dr. L. Subramaniam is more than just a violinist; he’s an institution. And his insatiable search for truth, beauty, and the space in between with his music has inspired countless musicians to new heights.

He’s a published author, a guide to scores of young artists, and he’s still one of the most revered figures in music today.

In every note he plays, there resides a bridge — connecting East and West, past and future, soul and technique.

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The life and accomplishments of Dr. L. Subramaniam are evidence of the fact that music transcends all barriers. It is a timeless legacy which has not only inspired but also united and uplifted millions of fans all over the globe.

His journey is a testament to the fact that while roots render strength, in wings lies the power to soar — and in Dr. Subramaniam’s case, soar indeed and touch the stars through the strings of his violin.