Mysore Manjunath

Mysore Manjunath is regarded as one of the leading violinists in the field of Indian classical music, shaped by a lineage closely connected to the Mysore school of Carnatic violin. Trained by his father, Vidwan S. Mahadevappa, he developed an early command of the instrument and began performing alongside his family as a child. His formal education strengthened this foundation: he completed a Master of Music with first rank and multiple gold medals and later earned a PhD from the University of Mysore, where he was also named a cultural ambassador.

Manjunath’s career reflects a balance between tradition and innovation. He appears frequently with his elder brother Mysore Nagaraj, and together they have performed at major international platforms, including the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, International Violin Conference, Chicago World Music Festival, and leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. His collaborative projects involve musicians across genres, from Indian classical artists to composers and ensembles in Europe and the United States. These engagements highlight his interest in cross-cultural dialogue while maintaining the structural and melodic discipline of Carnatic music.

His contributions include creating new ragas, composing thematic works, and developing multimedia productions such as Aaroha, which integrates Carnatic idioms with contemporary theatrical presentation. During the COVID-19 period, his collaborative online works reached audiences worldwide through cultural institutions.

Manjunath has received numerous awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, along with recognitions from arts organizations in India and abroad. His career continues to shape contemporary understanding of the Carnatic violin, both in India and on the global concert stage.