SPOTLIGHT: Alappuzha Karuna Moorthy

GC Sangam this week highlights one of the young artists who has mastered the art of the ancient Tamil instrument called Tavil (Meelum). He is Karuna Murthy from India. The following is from the now defunct site www.karunamurthy.com:


Karuna Murthy is a young exponent of the Tavil working as a professor at the Vaikom Kshetra Kala Peetom, the only institute dedicated for temple-based performing arts in India.

He took the first step at the age of ten when he started learning Tavil from Narayana Panicker of Haripad, a temple-town in Alleppey (since renamed Alappuzha) district of Kerala. in south India.

After three years of initial learning, Karuna headed for Tamil Nadu to learn from some of the grand masters of Tavil percussion.

He started his higher lessons with Tanjavur Govindaraj and later moved to Tiruvidaimarudur Venkatesh to fine-tune the art of playing this complicated percussion instrument.
With a genuine appetite for more, Karuna was accepted by maestro Valayappatti Subramaniam who helped him learn the advanced lessons in the art of Tavil playing. Already into the concert circuit in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the young man was later under the tutorship of another Maestro Mannarcudi Vasudevan with whom he continues to play to this day.

From playing with Carnatic Clarinet maestro AKC Natarajan, Saxophone Maestro Kadri Gopalnath, Nadaswara Vidwans (maestros) Seturaman Ponnuswamy and Tiruvizha Jaishankar, and Vettikkavala Shashikumar, Karuna's shift to a more global perspective in music was quite natural.

He met his first overseas student, Christian Auer from Germany, in 1996 during a concert in Varkala, Kerala. Christian's appetite for learning Tavil turned their relationship into one that is more than that of a student and a teacher. In 1999 Christian invited Murthy to Germany thus providing the first overseas break for the young exponent who had by then played with several maestros in India.

Having stepped into World Music, Karuna performed in various prestigious concerts in India and in countries like Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Switzerland, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Belgium, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia, with such luminaries of Jazz drumming as Steve Smith, Effrain Toro, Dave Weckl, Hakim Ludin, Jeff Hamilton, Richie Gajate Garcia, Chad Wackerman, Marco Minneman, Ralf Gukdze, Brad Dutz, besides many other well-known names, over the past few years.

Besides playing with them, Karuna conducted several workshops for drummers and percussionists of various genres while in Europe. He has since been regularly performing with Flamenco dance exponent Bettina Costano from Spain. They form a trio with the legend of Chenda (another soutth Indian percussion), Mattannoor Sankaran Kutty.

As a Tavil exponent, Karuna blends well with the multi-genre, multi-discipline music and dance shows organised in various countries by Soorya Cultural Society run by Soorya Krishnamoorthy.

Karuna's journey into world of music started at a very early age. His brilliance and dedication in the field of percussion did catch the eye of many maestros. They found in him a cheerful and gifted musician with lot of vibrant energy to perform.

Karuna's journey into the world of fusion music accompanying legends like Saxaphone maestro Kadri Gopalnath, Chenda maestro Mattanoor Sankarankutty, Violin maestro Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan and Veena (an Indian string instrument) maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya, for concerts both in India and abroad, won him kudos.

He also accompanies the renowned Saxophone duo Lavanya Sisters, two young musicians from Chennai, for most of their recordings and concerts.

Karuna has the distinction of having played in over 1,500 stages around the world.

In 2008 (WHICH MONTH???) Karuna was bestowed with the prestigious honour `Asthana Vidwan' of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetom for his meritorious service to traditional Indian Music.

His busy schedules in India and abroad didn’t stop Karuna from playing for some of the leading film music composers in Tamil and Malayalam Harris Jayaraj and M Jayachandran.

During his early forays into the European circuit, Karuna has played with world music combo Embryo and features in their live recordings. As an upcoming Tavil player, Karuna had in the late 1990s organised a few widely-televised concerts in Kerala with Jazz Saxophone exponent Roland Sheiffer, Germany-based percussionist Hakim Ludin, Switzerland-based Tabla player and music professor Jatinder Thakur, Kanjira player Selva Ganesh among others.

Apart from his Indian students, Karuna teaches several Europeans who got hooked on to the mesmerising power of Tavil that he played during his several shows in Europe. Besides Christian, he also teaches Austrian drummer Sven Kienesberger who is now a favourite student and friend.

A recent addition to his long list of recordings is an instrumental DVD with Veena exponent Rajhesh Vaidhya that was produced by Indian digital media giant Moser Baer.



Karuna's own production Company Anjaneya Hospitality recently produced three Music Albums with some big names.

1. VADYA LAHARI

Featuring Kanyakumari on Violin, Mamabalam M.K.S.Siva on Nadaswaram, Allapuzha R.Karuna Moorthy on Tavil,Padri Satheeshkumar on Mridhangam. Mudikondan S.Ramenh on Veena and Srisundarkumar on Ganjira.

2.TRISAKTHI

At the outset I extend my sincere gratitude and admiration to Shri.Surya Krishnamoorthy, an adherent admirer of traditional music and culture.

Featuring Attukal Balasubramaniam on Violin,M.S.Lavanya on Saxophone, Mattannoor Sankaran Kutty Marar on Chenda,Alapuzha R.Karunamoorthy on Tavil, B.T.Jijith on Key Board, Josy John on Base Guitar, Sasi Mahesh on Mridhangam, Adhichanaloor Anil Kumar on Ghatam, Sasi Malamari on Drums and Jayan Malamari on Tabla.

3.NADA LAHARI

Featuring Mamabalam M.K.S.Siva on Nadaswaram, Tiruvalapatoor T.A.Kaliya Moorthy on Tavil, Alapuzha R.Karuna Moorthy on Tavil.

I take this this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to Ms.Bettina from Switzerland and Mr.John from UK, for their fullerst support to all the endeavours of Anjaneya.

I dedicate these albums with prayers “ Loka Samastha Sukhiino Bhavantu”
To my Gurus, friends and the music lovers.

Backed by copious experience Karuna Murthy continues his venture in the world of percussion.

DATE VENUE / PLACE ACCOMPANIMENT / GROUP
2008
APRIL
08 / 04/ 2008 Chennai
10 / 04/ 2008 Bangalore
12 / 04/ 2008 Palakkad
19 / 04/ 2008 Koodalmanikkam
20 / 04/ 2008 Chennai
21 / 04/ 2008 Haripad
22 / 04/ 2008 Dubai Rhythm 08 - Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
23 / 04/ 2008 Sharjah Rhythm 08 - Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
26 / 04/ 2008 Al Ain Rhythm 08 -Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
27 / 04/ 2008 Abu Dhabi Rhythm 08 - Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
28 / 04/ 2008 Fujairah Rhythm 08 - Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
31 / 04/ 2008 Muscat Rhythm 08 - Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
MAY
02 / 05/ 2008 Doha Rhythm 08 - Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
03 / 05/ 2008 Trivandrum Natioanl Finance Minister's Meeting
04 / 05/ 2008 Trivandrum Soorya Krishana Murthy's programme
15 / 05/ 2008 Trissur Thiruvizha Jayasankar
19 / 05/ 2008 Doha Palakkad Naattanrangu
20 / 05/ 2008 Doha Palakkad Naattanrangu
21 / 05/ 2008 Doha Palakkad Naattanrangu
25 / 05/ 2008 Palakkad
JUNE
04 / 06/ 2008 Chennai
05 / 06/ 2008 Chennai

From 11 / 06/ 2008 to 20 / 06/ 2008 Germany

JULY
From 07 / 07/ 2008 to 20 / 08/ 2008 Turkey Tour

AUGUST
09 / 08/ 2008 Trissur Soorya's Tour
10 / 08/ 2008 Chennai Soorya's Tour
11 / 08/ 2008 Bangalore Soorya's Tour
13 / 08/ 2008 Bomabay Soorya's Tour
15 / 08/ 2008 Delhi Soorya's Tour
18 / 08/ 2008 Palakkad Soorya's Tour
19 / 08/ 2008 Kannoor Soorya's Tour
21 / 08/ 2008 Trivandrum Soorya's Tour

SEPTEMBER
12 / 09/ 2008 Trivandrum Tourism Festival
13 / 09/ 2008 Trivandrum Tourism Festival
14 / 09/ 2008 Tamil Nadu
15 / 09/ 2008 Trichur
16 / 09/ 2008 Trivandrum Asianet Mega show
26 / 09/ 2008 Chennai Chennai Kerala Samajam Mega Show
27 / 09/ 2008
OCTOBER
04 / 10/ 2008 Kochi Taj Residency
06 / 10/ 2008 Payyannor Kadri Gopalnath
07 / 10/ 2008 Bangalore Kanji Madam
15 / 10/ 2008 Dubai Soorya Festival
16 / 10/ 2008
17 / 10/ 2008
19 / 10/ 2008 Bangalore
21 / 10/ 2008 Bangalore
31 / 10/ 2008 Kottayam
From 20 / 10/ 2008 to 03 / 11/ 2008

NOVEMBER
From 02 / 11/ 2008 to 15 / 11/ 2008

Switzerland & Germany

Pulse of India Tour
Karuna murthy - Tavil
Bettina Costano - Dancer
Mattannu Sankaran Kurtty Marar - Chenda
Charlos - Guitar
Espina - Guitar
Antonio - Vocal
14 /11/ 2008 Phinan
15 /11/ 2008 Malaysia
16 /11/ 2008 Kolalampur
17 /11/ 2008 Dubai
DECEMBER
7 /12/ 2008 Chennai
14 /12/ 2008 Bangalore
16 /12/ 2008 Trissur
17 /12/ 2008 Ernakulam
18 /12/ 2008 Alappuzha
19 /12/ 2008 Kottayam
20 /12/ 2008 Kollam
24 /12/ 2008 Mumbai
25 /12/ 2008 Dombivili
26 /12/ 2008 Kozhikode
27 /12/ 2008 Kannur
29 /12/ 2008 Badagara
30 /12/ 2008 Palakkad
31 /12/ 2008 Trivandrum M.Jayachandran Show




2007
JANUARY
1st - 3rd Hyatt Regency, Muscat
4th - 5th Muscat Trisakthi Fusion Group
10th Chennai With Saxophone Mastreo Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
11th Chennai With Sri.Rajesh Vaidya-Veena
14th Aranmula, Kerala With Saxophone Mastreo Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
17th Cochin With Kadri, Mattanoor and Bala Bahaskar
19th - 21st Mumbai With Saxophone Mastreo Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
22nd Cherianad, Kerala With Nadaswaram
24th Changanaserry, Kerala With Nadaswaram
25th Nishagabdhi Tourism Fest,Trivandrum,Kerala With Saxophone Mastreo Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
26th Cochin With Saxophone Mastreo Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
28th Mundakayam, Kerala With Nadaswaram
31st Changanaserry, Kerala With Nadaswaram
FEBRUARY
1st- 2nd Chennai With Saxophone Mastreo Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
4th Chenganoor, Kerala With Nadaswaram
8th Trichur, Kerala With Saxophone Mastreo Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
23rd Ponkunnam, Kerala With Nadaswaram
26th - 28th Mumbai With Ms.Bettina Castanio & Sri.Mattanoor
MARCH
1st Chennai With Seshapatti Sivalingam
2nd - 4th Trivandrum Recording for Trisakthi
7th Chennai With Lavanya Sisters-Saxophone
8th Chettikulangara Temple Festival
9th & 10th Vaikom Rehersal with Trisakthi Group
15th - 19th Spain
20th Dharapuram, Tamilnadu With Lavanya Sisters-Saxophone
21st Sharkara,Trivandrum Temple Festival
22nd Haripad With Nadaswaram
23rd Trivandrum Recording for Trisakthi
24th Thiruvizha With Balabhaskar - Violin
26th Pattazhi With Mambalam Shiva& Kaliyamurthy
29th & 30th Kannur
31st Thambalakad With Balabhaskar - Violin
APRIL
2nd Kanjirappally,Kerala With Murugadas- Nadaswaram
4th Chennai With Lavanya Sisters-Saxophone
5th - 8th Spain
14th Pattanamthitta With Sachidanandan & Mattanoor
17th - 20th Kuwait With Fusion Group
21st & 22nd Haripad With Nadaswaram
26th Changanaserry With Nadaswaram
28th Vettikavala
30th Allappuzha With Kaliyamurthy
MAY - JUNE
4th Singapore With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
5th Malaysia With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
6th Abu Dhabi With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
8th Dubai With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
9th Muscat With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
10th Baharin With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
11th Kuwait With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
12th Saudi With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
13th Doha With Surya Cultural Group/ Sri.Kadri Gopalnath
21st - 28th Sydney, Melbourne With Rajhesh Vaidya
29th - 15th June With Surya Cultural Group.
JUNE - JULY
13th - 17th Baharin
28th - 8th July Belgium
19th - 30 Spain,Germany
31st Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam, Kanjeepuram.

AUGUST
6th - 7th Trivandrum Recording for Trishakthi
19th Morning Trivandrum With Rajhesh Vaidya
19th Evening Chennai Lavanya Sisters
21st Chennai With Kadri Gopalnath
24th Palaghat With Kadri Gopalnath
25th Trivandrum Onam Festival Celebrations
26th Haripad Mattanoor & Pallavoor Krishnan Kutty Marar

SEPTEMBER
12th Chennai With Lavanya Sisters
13th Chennai With Kadri Gopalnath
15th & 16th Channai With Lavanya Sisters
18th Chennai With Kadri Gopalnath
21st Chennai With Mambalam M.K.S.Siva
26th Chennai With Lavanya Sisters

OCTOBER
7th Trivandrum With Rahesh Vaidya - Surya Festival
8th Palaghat With Rahesh Vaidya - Swaralaya Festival
9th Thrissur Thalam Festival
12th Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam, Kanjeepuram. To be Conferred the "Asthana Vidwan" .
15th Kanjeepuram. With Kadri Gopalnath
16th Chennai
17th, 18th & 19th Dubai With Trishakthi
20th - 31st Canada With Rahesh Vaidya

NOVEMBER, DECEMBER
1st - 4th Canada With Rajhesh Vaidya
Nov 4th -Dec 4th Dubai, Abudabhi, Bahrain, Muscat, Kuwait, World Tour with Surya Cultural Group/Triskati Fusion
Saudi Arabia, Rome, Germany, London, Group.
Scotland, Austria, Newzeland, Singapore,
Malaysia & Kenya.