MADOKARAM PRASHANTH IYENGAR For Prashanth, music is not just a form of art; it is a profound inborn intrinsic knowledge that he has honed and manifested into a beautiful reality through his relentless passion and dedication. Over the course of more than four and a half decades, he has made significant contributions to the music field, realizing this noble goal and inspiring countless others along the way. Born into a distinguished family steeped in the rich traditions of musicianship, scholarship, and the mastery of Erudite Sanskrit virtuosos, Prashanth embodies a deep cultural heritage that informs his musical style and approach. His journey through music is a testament to his commitment to preserving and evolving this legacy, while inspiring future generations to embrace their own musical identities.
Prashanth Iyengar achievements can be thus summarized . He has made significant contributions to the field of Carnatic music over the years, including innovative teaching methods and performances.
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Prashanth Iyengar’s commitment to promoting traditional music has earned him recognition both nationally and internationally.
▪ A 25-hour marathon Veena concert by Mr. Iyengar on 21 April 2010 at Srirangapattana, has set a new milestone in the history of Carnatic Music and is indeed a mirror of showcase to his talent, dedication and years of practice.
This remarkable achievement highlights his exceptional skills and extensive knowledge of musical traditions.
This has been adjudicated as a World Record by Limca Book of Records for the longest marathon Veena concert ever played by an artist during our times.
▪ First Musician to evolve an integrated system of learning Music, Theatre and Yoga while he was working as the in-charge of music department in Directorate of Textbooks, Government of Karnataka implemented under State Government Trimester Scheme for Middle and High school.
▪ Mr.Prashanth Iyengar is the first composer from Karnataka to have composed ‘Varnams’ in all the ’72 Melakartha Ragas’ and also second youngest composer after the stalwart and world renowned Karnataka musician Dr M Balamuralikrishna. This remarkable accomplishment not only showcases his talent but also places him in a distinguished lineage of composers.
▪ Secured third rank in the Vidwath Examination.This qualification has established him as one of the leading musicians in Karnataka.(Equivalent Master Degree course conducted by Govt of Karnataka)
▪ Won 1st prize in Madras Music Academy
▪ Invited to perform before the then Chief Minister of Karnataka (J H Patel) in Banquett hall of Vidhana soudha on the occasion of Kannada Rajyothsava – 1997
▪ Reconstructed and Presented the Pandarika Vitthala Mela Veena as mentioned in the Ancient Musical treatise of India, the Nartana Nirnaya of 16th Century and under the guidance of the author of this monumental work, the world renowned scholar and polymath,The esteemed scholar Mahamahopadyaya Dr. R. S. Sathyanarayana, has provided invaluable insights and guidance throughout this endeavor.
Prashanth gave a live demonstration of this reconstructed Veena during a National Seminar ‘Shastrotsava – 2015’ conducted by Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts, New Delhi, which is India’s premier cultural center.
▪ First Veena artiste to perform in Venice and Verona, Italy 2018. His performances continue to inspire and influence budding musicians across the globe.