T. N. Sivakumar

TN Sivakumar[1] (டே. என். சிவகுமார்) is an eminent blind carnatic flute artist residing in the cultural capital of India - Chennai. He has been performing in Adayar Park Sheraton[2], Chennai for the past 22 years. He has trained around 2000 students over the past years. He has traveled around the globe and given concerts in America, South Africa and Europe.

About

Sri Sivakumar was trained by Flute Maestro Sri T.R.Mahalingam(Mali)[3] who was also his uncle. He was trained at the Government Music College, Madras (Chennai) by Smt.T.R. Navaneetham[4] for a period of 3 years, where he went on to get his Diploma titled "Vadya Visarada". For a period of 10 years (1976 to 1985), he was also trained by Sri Prapancham Seetharam [5].

Apart from Carnatic music, Sivakumar also learnt Hindustani music under Sri Krishna Nandhan. He learnt to play film music from Sri P S Divakar for 2 years[6]. He became handicapped as both his eyes were hurt in an unfortunate accident which led to retina damage. His preliminary education in music was under his mother's guidance for the first 5 years.

Awards & Achievements

He was awarded the "Sangeetha Shiromani, D.U.E.M.S". His first Arangetram[7] was on March 1, 1977 at Thygaraja Vidwad Samajam, accompanied by Sri B.A. Chidambaranathan (A.I.R) on the violin and Sri Rajam on the Mridangam. His second performance was at Sadguru Sri Thyagaraja aradhana, Thiruvayaru[8] on January 11, 1978 in the presence of Sri Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan[9]. He has also left his imprint in film music. One can hear his flute in films like "His Highness Abdullah" (Malayalam) and "Nizhalgal" (Tamil).