Lalgudi Jayaraman is a prominent name in the Carnatic music. This musical maestro is a world-renowned violinist. The essence of Carnatic music was imbibed in him by two great musicians Thyagaraja and his father late V R Gopala Iyer. He began his musical career at the tender age of 12 by accompanying various musical maestros as a violinist. This extraordinary violinist is known for his unique style which is enchanting, harmonious, original and yet traditional in its essence.
In 1965, Lalgudi Jayaraman performed in the Edinburgh music festival and Yehudi Menuhin, the well-known violinist was so impressed by his melodious and unique technique that he presented him his Italian violin. In 1971 he toured widely throughout the US and Canada and participated in nearly 24 concerts under the East West Exchange Programme. He was then chosen by the Government of India as a member of the Indian Cultural Delegation and sent to Russia.
In 1984, Lalgudi Jayaraman went on a tour to Oman, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain which turned out to be very successful. In the next year, he participated in the Festival of India in U S. He has even contributed in the genre of dance by composing the lyrics and music of a dance opera "Jaya Jaya Devi". This dance opera was first performed in Cleveland, the Ohio State of America and later it was performed in nearly 25 important cities of USA. As a result, the Mayor of Maryland awarded him the honorary citizenship of Maryland in 1994. In September 1999 after his concert at New York Lincoln
For Lalgudi Jayaraman's extraordinary service to the Carnatic music he has been awarded several titles like:
