Balu Raguraman

🪔 About

Balu Raguraman is a distinguished Carnatic violinist and educator, widely recognized for his contributions to South Indian classical music and as an accompanist for Indian classical dance. A Fellow of Trinity College, London, he has performed extensively across the globe, showcasing his adaptable musical style. Raguraman has collaborated with numerous legends of the Carnatic tradition, including Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Dr. N. Ramani, Mandolin Srinivas, Dr. T.V. Gopalakrishnan, Sri Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, Sri Srimushnam Raja Rao, and Sri T.V. Sankaranarayanan. His versatility extends to accompanying leading Indian classical dancers such as Mrs. Chitra Visveswaran and Dr. Alarmel Valli, and he is noted for playing for top Bharatanatyam artistes. Based in the UK, Balu Raguraman serves as the resident violin teacher at The Bhavan in London, a prominent institution for Indian arts outside India. He also plays a key role in coordinating an Indian music degree program offered by The Bhavan in collaboration with Trinity College of Music and Westminster University. Beyond institutional teaching, he provides private lessons and mentors students at various levels. Born and raised in Bangalore and Chennai, Raguraman began his violin journey at the age of five and gave his first public performance at ten. He toured for three years with the legendary vocalist Maharajapuram Santhanam. In his early twenties, around 1997, he moved to London to take up an opportunity at The Bhavan, where he has since dedicated over two decades to teaching and performing. He is married to Subathra Raguraman, a renowned veena player and teacher, and their daughter, Aparna Raguraman, is also an accomplished violinist who performs alongside him. His son is Abhishek Raghuraman. Awards & Honours: A-TOP grade.