Celebrating Excellence in Carnatic Tradition
Chennai’s Music Academy Honours Carnatic Legends with 2024 Awards: Chennai’s Music Academy, an iconic institution founded in 1928, has once again honoured some of the most distinguished names in Carnatic music through its 2024 awards. These recognitions not only spotlight performers but also highlight teachers, researchers, and accompanists—those who quietly sustain India’s classical music heritage. From vocalists to scholars, the Academy’s recognition this year is both a tribute and a cultural celebration.
T.M. Krishna: Voice of Change and Musical Mastery
T.M. Krishna has been named the Sangita Kalanidhi for 2024, one of the highest recognitions in Carnatic music, instituted in 1942. Known for his unique voice and thoughtful renditions, Krishna has also emerged as a social reformer in the arts, advocating for inclusion and breaking conventional barriers in classical performance spaces. He has brought Carnatic music beyond sabhas—performing in fishing villages and public spaces to make the art more democratic.
Honouring Teachers: The Sangita Kalaacharya Awardees
This year’s Sangita Kalaacharya titles were awarded to:
- Parassala Ravi, a senior vocalist from Kerala with a legacy of nurturing young talent
• Geetha Raja, a highly respected teacher and musician, known for her commitment to education in music
These honours remind us that Carnatic music is passed down more through mentorship than material, and teachers like them are vital to the art form’s survival.
Dr. Margaret Bastin: Championing Musicology
The Musicologist Award 2024 was presented to Dr. Margaret Bastin, whose in-depth academic work has enriched the understanding of Carnatic music theory and history. Her contributions are crucial in preserving the oral and written knowledge of traditional compositions and forms.
Musicologists may not be seen on stage, but they build the foundation for cultural preservation and interpretation, making them key players in the classical ecosystem.
TTK Awards: Recognising Supporting Artists
The TTK Awards, named after T.T. Krishnamachari, were given to:
- The Thiruvaiyyaru Brothers – S. Narasimhan and S. Venkatesan, for their ensemble contributions
• Violinist H.K. Narasimhamurthy, a beloved accompanist who has supported many leading artists on stage
These awards honour the backbone of Carnatic concerts—artists who provide instrumental, rhythmic, and compositional support, often without headline recognition.
Why These Awards Matter Today
Institutions like the Music Academy do more than just distribute titles—they shape the narrative of India’s cultural heritage. These awards show that artistic tradition is not static; it grows with society. Honouring voices like T.M. Krishna, who challenge established norms while excelling musically, marks a broader shift in cultural openness.
Recognising researchers and educators also reinforces that heritage isn’t just performed—it’s taught, preserved, and studied deeply. In a world increasingly driven by trends, these recognitions protect the rootedness and richness of Indian art.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Chennai’s Music Academy Honours Carnatic Legends with 2024 Awards:
| Key Fact | Detail |
| Sangita Kalanidhi 2024 | T.M. Krishna |
| Sangita Kalaacharya Awardees | Parassala Ravi and Geetha Raja |
| Musicologist Award 2024 | Dr. Margaret Bastin |
| TTK Awardees | Thiruvaiyyaru Brothers (S. Narasimhan & S. Venkatesan), H.K. Narasimhamurthy |
| Music Academy Established | 1928, Chennai |
| Sangita Kalanidhi Award Instituted | 1942 |
| TTK Awards Named After | T.T. Krishnamachari |
| Relevant Exams | TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Banking, Arts & Culture GK |
