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Jayachandra Rao

Jayachandra Rao, a Masters degree holder , hails from a family of musicians, his father Prof. K. Raghavendra Rao is an accomplished flautist and his mother K. R. Prema Rao is a violinist.Jayachandra started learning Mridangum at the age of 5 under Vidwan Trichur E.P.Narayan Pisharady and later recieved advanced training under the tutelage of Palakkad T.R.Rajamani- son of Palakkad T.S.Mani Iyer.He has learnt flute from his father and is working towards achieving a higher melodic virtuosity. Wife Kanchana.S.Shriranjani is a well known classical singer.

Jayachandra has accompanied stalwarts from the field of Carnatic Music and has won accolades from them. Jaychandra has accompanied, to mention a few, Vidwan T.K.Govind Rao, Dr. N Ramani, Bombay sisters, Rajkumar Barathi, Kadri Gopalnath, Maharajapuram Ramachandran, R.K.Srikanthan, The crown Prince of Trivandrum, Akella Mallikarjuna Sharma and Sangita Vidushi Miss. Jun Obi (Japan). He has provided percussion support to a magnum opus dance event - India Dance - Wales in Great Britain.

Jayachandra is known for his "Gayaki Style" of playing, his anticipation of the Manodharma (free style) of the main artist, clarity and sound stroke playing style. Jayachandra's virtuosity has found praise with all the senior musicians whom he accompanies. He performs regularly for dance, jazz music, fusion music, film recordings, commercial music and experimental art endeavors. Jayachandra is also a music consultant and arranger.
Inspired by the Gurukula system of imparting knowledge, Jayachandra is training many young artists in mridangam. His profound theory knowledge and practical experience makes him a sought after teacher. He has students from around the globe. He frequently travels abroad to propagate the excellence and virtuosity of Indian culture and music.

Achievements

1st Prize in South Zone level percussion competition held at Nagpur by South Central Zone Cultural Center, Nagpur.

2nd Prize at the National level All India Radio competition in the year 1992. Now performing regularly as a Graded artist for A.I.R.

Press Reviews

THE HINDU :- Vidwan Jayachandra Rao's rhythemical coherence to jatis and teermanas, well designed tala gati, dexterous dictum gave lusture to the performance.

STAR OF MYSORE:- K.U.Jayachandra Rao on mridangam was delightfully boyant, his anticipatory strokes adding momentum to the galloping Kalpana Svaras were special.