A carnatic journey in keyboard …

ISAIMAMANI M S MARTIN, the distinguished achiever of the Guinness World Record on the 27th November 2011, in Chennai, India, for ‘The Largest Electronic Keyboard Ensemble’ consisting of 109 participants, who performed a carnatic composition of Ragamrutham that lasted for 16 minutes and 7 seconds, is a gold medalist in B.A music from Annamalai University, Chidambaram and was bestowed with the title ‘ISAIMAMANI’ by the University in the year 1993 in appreciation of his contribution to carnatic music Isaimamani M S Martin is the grandson of Shri GnanaPrakasam, a Nadhaswaram maestro and the son of Mariya Susai a Clarinet Artiste. He underwent intense training in vocal with Padmavibushan Sangita Kalanidi Sri T.K Govinda Rao.

A pioneer in creating a culture of carnatic music through keyboard, M S Martin has a unique style of making notations to krithis of various carnatic composers. With a track record of 14 years of musical background, he began his musical journey with Sivan Arts Academy run by Mrs. Rukmini Ramani, daughter of Shri. Papanasam Sivan, before starting ‘Mellifluous Melodies’ a music school of his own. Isaimamani M S Martin’s service to Carnatic music in a world progressively moving towards jazzy music is remarkable. He has been able to attract numerous children to play carnatic music on an instrument, which is basically western. More than 120 children, both in India and abroad, in the age group of 6 to 15, are being trained to give performances on the keyboard. Few of them have been acknowledged by experts as child prodigies. Currently one of the most sought after keyboard tutor in Chennai, he exclusively teaches carnatic music inculcating the value of playing krithis and varnams by emphasizing on gamakams as if singing.

Various group events and several individual performances are being organised by him over a decade now, to provide a platform for his students to gain exposure and recognition. His students performing on key board in ‘Inisai Mazhalai’ of Mr Ramji is a testimony of his efforts in providing them visibility. About 27 of his disciples have had their Arangetram done so far. Isaimamani M.S. Martin has a keen eye for young talent and has always worked to bring child prodigies to notice. Many of his disciples such as Ms Mahathi, Ms. Anandhi and Master Anirudh have been performing regularly in concerts Between the years 2003 and 2012, he had delivered over 110 concerts in Chennai at various places such as The Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, Bharathi Vidya Bhavan and so on. The concerts have won the admiration of laymen and connoisseurs alike.

Simple in demeanour, he always has a thirst for achievements. Isaimamani M.S. Martin, is the holder of a National Record from Limca Book of Records for organizing a largest Carnatic Keyboard orchestra “Mellifluous melodies” with his 75 young disciples on the same stage for the first time in India. This event was witnessed by an audience of over 2000 people and in the presence of renowned Film Director Sri. K. Balachander and, Padma Bhushan Sri. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. Many luminaries like Sri. T.V. Gopalakrishnan, Flute Ramani, Haridwaramangalam Sri A.K. Palanivel, Dr. M. Balamuralkrishna Sri. Gangai Amaran Director Sri. K.Balachander Mellisai Mannar Sri. M.S. Viswanathan Padma Bhushan Sri. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Violin Duo M. Lalitha & Nandini, have been enthralled by the performances and have praised Martin’s ability in channelizing the children’s potential.

Subsequently, he stepped into a great feat of breaking the Guinness Book of World Records of “The largest electronic keyboard ensemble” with his Carnatic concert on Keyboard with 109 young disciples on the same stage at The Music Academy, Chennai on 27th November And now, the quest for the next accomplishment has begun. Coming up in November 2012 will be a enthralling concert ‘Music & Music’, a keyboard fusion of carnatic and filmy music to be performed by 9 of his students at Music Academy, Chennai.

Guinness Record Programme – Chief Guest

In March 1 st 2013, 50 students of my disciples Participated in Tamilnadu Govt. Tourism Played on Keyboard in Classical and semi-classical music. The Chief guest for this programme was Kalaimaamani E.VeenaiGayathri, Principal, Tamilnadu Govt. Music College.

In March 2 nd 2013, 9 disciples of mine performed Carnatic Music concert in Music Academy and the Chief Guest for this Programme was Kalaimaamani P.Unnikrishnan. The write-up for this concert came in Dhina thanthi and Dhina Malar.