| Athira Krishna | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Athira/ L. Athira Krishna/L. Athira |
| Origin | Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India |
| Genres | Carnatic Music, Indian Classical Music, Carnatic Violin, World, Jazz, Fusion |
| Occupations | Violinist, Singer, Composer |
| Instruments | Violin, Viola |
| Website | athira.in |
Athira Krishna is an internationally acclaimed prodigy violinist from India. She was born in Trivandrum, Kerala. She has an enviable musical lineage as the granddaughter of the illustrious Vidwan Shri. GopalaPillai, fabulous musician of yesteryears who belonged to the renowned Tanjore tradition of Carnatic Music whose master-disciple lineage traced back to the Sri. Muthuswamy Dikshithar Carnatic trinity of the 18th century, and to Baluswamy Dikshithar, who first introduced the violin to Indian classical music. Athira is the proud recipient of many coveted recognitions including the prestigious 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.
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Athira 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 a tender 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.
Athira switched over to violin from vocal at the age of 8 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 honored 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.
Athira 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, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam and K.R.Narayan.
In 2001, as a child prodigy representing Indian classical music, Athira presented a paper presentation on "Violin in South Indian Classical Music" for the prestigious International Children’s Assembly held at New Delhi.
In 2002, Athira 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, Athira 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.
In 2005 Athira 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 Athira 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”.
Athira have had the rare fortune of exchanging musical notes with the likes of Yehudi Menuhin, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Balamurali Krishna, Pandit Jasraj etc.
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.
Athira has also given numerous "Trans Global Fusion" concerts and lecture demonstrations on Indian classical music at numerous World Music festivals.