Artist Information As a curtain raiser of future public performances, Balakrishna accompanied his father and mentor on the vedika (concert stage) as a supporting veena player. Gradually, completing this learning process, he is proceeding ahead in the footsteps of his father, carving out a niche for himself as a solo artiste proving that he is indeed a worthy heir to a long treasured tradition.   At a time when speed gimmickry and mathematics are characteristic of vainikas he has emphasized on soft playing and rhythmic consistency in his recitals. His style is a unique blend of melody, creativity and spontaneity. He can move at ease in a variety of tempos from slow to medium and back with great expertise and agility.   With his technical brilliance, sensitive acquittal of ragas and poise he endeavours to uphold the Carnatic music heritage much to the delight and respect of art connoisseurs and music lovers all over the world.   He has the unique gift of reaching out to the people with a humble approach and complete mastery over his instrument. He has been invited to perform at both national and international festivals where he has been widely appreciated for his musical prowess.   The elite audience of London, USSR and Germany has responded to his enriching performances with rapt attention and great delight. He, along with other music stalwarts, performed in the “Vadyotsava” organised by the central Sangeeth Natak Academy, New Delhi. In his hometown Bangalore, Sri Balakrishna has been invited to play the veena in a number of music festivals and is a celebrated artiste. As befits great talent he has been felicitated and honoured with a number of awards by All India Radio, Tarangini Academy of Bombay and the Music Academy of Madras. Balakrishna has also played the veena for the noted filmmaker and philanthropist Sri. M. S. Sathyu under the able music direction of Sri. Rajeev Taranath for a feature film produced by the Department of Women and child Welfare.   A thorough professional and dedicated and dedicated Vainika, Sri Balakrishna has released audiocassettes and has been a renowned AIR and Doordarshan artiste. To preserve and perpetuate this rich tradition of Carnatic music he has opened a school and is currently involved in imparting various techniques of playing the veena to interested and talented young students.