Two nadaswaram exponents from Kancheepuram, S. Shanmugasundaram and S. Sethuraman, known as Desur Brothers, received the Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Award 2024 on Sunday. 

This year being the 125th birth anniversary of journalist and writer Kalki Krishnamurthy, a documentary on his life was also released at the event.

Desur Brothers

S. Shanmugasundharam and S. Sethuraman, known as the Desur Brothers, are accomplished nadhaswaram artists with over two decades of experience in both nadhaswaram and vocal music. Born and raised in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, they are the sons of nadhaswaram artist Desur D.S.D. Selvarathinam and Sulochana.

The Desur Brothers have dedicated more than 18 years to their roles as Nadhaswaram artists at the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam in Kanchipuram. Their musical journey is marked by numerous significant performances across India and abroad. They have been featured in prestigious venues such as The Music Academy in Chennai, Sri Shanmuganandha Sabha in Mumbai, and Hamsadhwani Music Academy in California, USA. 

Their training in nadhaswaram began under the tutelage of Padma Shri Trichy A.K.C. Natarajan and continued under Kalaimamani Desur D.S.D. Selvarathinam, their father. Both brothers hold a diploma in nadhaswaram from the Aadayar Government Music College in Chennai and have studied vocal and nadhaswaram at the Government Music School in Kanchipuram.

The Desur Brothers have received numerous accolades for their contributions to music. These include the "Nadhaswara Sigamani" from Sri Sankara College in Kanchipuram, "Sri Kanchi Kama Koti Peeta Asthana Vidhwan" from Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam, and the "Kalaignar Award" from the Indian Cultural Center in Chennai. Other honors include the "Kalai Valarmani" from Kalaipanpattuthurai in Kanchipuram District and the "M S Subbulakshmi Award" from Mumbai's Shanmuganandha Sabha.

With a commitment to preserving the rich tradition of nadhaswaram music, the Desur Brothers continue to perform at various temples, cultural festivals, and music sabhas, bringing the sounds of this classical art form to audiences around the world

 To watch the awards ceremony Click here

To watch the documentary on Kalki Krishnamurthy- Click here

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