K. P. Sivanandam

🪔 About

K. P. Sivanandam, born on March 1, 1917, was a distinguished Indian classical musician and guru, belonging to the seventh generation in the direct lineage of the revered Tanjore Quartet, who were instrumental in codifying the Bharatanatyam repertoire. He was the second son of K. Ponniah Pillai and brother of Natyacharya K.P. Kittappa. Sivanandam received his initial training in vocal music and Bharatanatyam from his grandfather, Natya Kalanidhi Pandanallur Meenakshisundaram Pillai, and his father, Ponniah Pillai. He further honed his musical prowess by learning Veena from Vidwans Desamangalam Subrahmanya Iyer and Gomatisankara Iyer. He earned the title of Sangita Bhushanam from Annamalai University. His extensive career included serving as a lecturer in music at Annamalai University at the age of 21, eventually becoming a professor in the department of music for the Tamil Nadu Government for two decades. In 1990, he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and head of the music department at Annamalai University. A significant contribution was his founding of the Swami Vipulananda Isai Nataka Kalluri in Mattakalappu, Sri Lanka, in 1980, where he served as Honorary Principal. Sivanandam was a member of the Advisory Committee of the Music Academy for many years. He was renowned for his chaste style of Veena playing and his vast repertoire. He authored several publications, including "Natya Isai Karuvoolam," "Thanjai Peruvudaiyan Perisai," and "Adi Bharata Kala Manjari," and co-edited "Tanjai Nalvarin Adi Sangita Bharata Kala Manjari" with his brother, K.P. Kittappa Pillai, preserving rare dance compositions. He also unearthed and edited numerous unpublished padams, kirtanas, ragamalikas, and javalis. K. P. Sivanandam passed away on July 30, 2003. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Karnatak Instrumental Music (1980), Kalaimamani, Sangita Kalanidhi (1992), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1980).