A-Top Grade Carnatic Vocal Duet Artistes | All India Radio, Bengaluru
Lineage & Mentorship: Ganakalashree Vidwan Sri H.S. Sudhindra | Late Vidwan Sri Salem P. Sundareshan
Musical Lineage & Gurus:
The Bangalore Brothers duo was formed under the guidance and mentorship of Ganakalashree Vidwan Sri H.S. Sudhindra, one of the most sought-after mridangam artistes in the Carnatic music fraternity.
- Vidwan Shri Hariharan M.B. commenced his rigorous vocal training in 1989 under Vidwan Sri S.N. Sreenivasa Prasanna.
- Vidwan Shri Ashok S. commenced his musical journey in the same year under the tutelage of Vidwan Sri D.S. Srivathsa, Vidushi Smt. Vaidehi, and Vidwan Sri K.R. Ramesh.
Both artistes subsequently received advanced training from Ganakalanidhi Late Vidwan Sri Salem P. Sundareshan and continue to hone their musical craft under the esteemed guidance of Vidwan Sri H.S. Sudhindra.
Accomplishments & Musical Distinctions:
- All India Radio Grading: Both artistes are ‘A-Top’ Grade Carnatic Vocal Duet artistes of All India Radio, Bengaluru. Vidwan Ashok is also an ‘A’ Grade Mridangam artiste of AIR Bengaluru.
- Academic Pedigree: Both hold Master’s degrees in Carnatic Music (M.Music) from the University of Madras, following Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degrees in Mechanical Engineering.
- State Examination Honors: Secured First Rank in the Vidwath Examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Board.
- Titles & Fellowships: Honoured with the prestigious title of Sangeetha Koustubha, and recipients of scholarships from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD, Government of India) and the Government of Karnataka.
- National Broadcasts: Featured prominently across television and devotional platforms including DD Chandana, SVBC Nadaneerajanam (TTD), DD Bharathi, Sankara TV, Amrita TV, Kasturi Kannada, and Malayala Manorama.
- Concert Stages: Performed extensively at premier music sabhas across India alongside renowned Carnatic maestros and accompanists.
Special AIR Projects:
- Exclusive episode featuring Kannada compositions on Goddess Lakshmi.
- Musical series exploring the Shivashtottara Kritis of Muttiah Bhagavathar.
- Swarasamsaara – an insightful exploration of Raga Shankarabharana and its allied janya ragas.
Literary Contributions & Publications:
In addition to live performances, the Bangalore Brothers have contributed to the documentation and preservation of Karnataka’s musical and literary heritage through publications brought out by Suswaralaya College of Music®:
- Ugabhoga Darpana – A comprehensive compilation of 830 Ugabhogas of the Haridasas of Karnataka.
- Sulabhavallavo Mahadaananda – A compilation of Haridasa Mundiges.
- Purandara Dasara Navaratna Malike
- Directory of Karnatak Musicians – Systematic documentation of regional musicians and their historical contributions.
Awards & Recognitions:
- Nadajyothi Puraskara (2025) – Nadajyothi Sangeetha Sabha, Bengaluru
- Gana Kala Vipanchee (2022) – Vipanchee Trust, Chennai
- Yuva Purandara Award (2017) – Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha, Bengaluru
- Ananya Yuva Puraskar (2014) – Ananya, Bengaluru
