Artist Information Violin Maestro Professor T. N. Krishnan is one of the most respected, renowned and reputed classical musicians of India. As a violinist, he has been at the very pinnacle of his field for several decades. Indeed, 1999 marks his sixty-fourth year of service as a classical musician! Sri T. N. Krishnan hails from an illustrious family of musicians. He gave his first concert at the age of eight and was featured on All India Radio from the age of ten.   He had his initial training from his father Sri A. Narayana Iyer and later on, from Sri K. Parthasarathy Iyengar. Later, he was tutored by the legend, Sri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. His aesthetically rich style also draws inspiration from the renowned violinist, Sri Papa Venkataramiah. From a young age, T. N. Krishnan had the opportunity to accompany several acclaimed vocalists.   Armed with spectral fidelity, melodic purity and a luxuriant tone, T.N. Krishnan's instrumental style captures the essence of the Gayaka (vocalist) experience. His technique intonates the violin like a human voice, replete with emotional depth. T.N. Krishnan has been closely involved with several prestigious institutions dedicated to the development of classical music.   Prof. Krishnan has accompanied some of the greatest artists such as Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Chembai, Madhurai Mani Iyer, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Alathoor Brothers, Prof. Mysore V. Ramarathnam, M.D. Ramanathan, K.V. Narayanaswamy, etc. and has been one of the greatest solo artist on the performing stage today.   He was Vice-Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Academy, one of India?s foremost arts councils with a charter to promote the traditional arts and crafts. He has received numerous awards and honors over many years - most notably: Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri from the Government of India, President's Award from the Sangeet natak Academy, and Sangeeta Kalanidhi from the Music Academy, Madras.   Recently T.N. Krishnan has featured as a soloist and also gives violin (duo and trio) concerts with his daughter Viji Krishnan Natarajan and son Sriram Krishnan. He has performed at prestigious International Festivals including the Winter Fest (Vienna), Festival of India (USSR) and the inaugural winter Music Festival (Sarajevo).