“The Iyer Brothers…perfect
co-ordination between them…a concert offered in pure traditional style…gave
an earful of bliss”
SatyamOnline.com (India)
Melbourne-based twin brothers
Ramnath Iyer and Gopinath Iyer are leading exponents of the veena (ancient
fretted-string instrument) and are recognised in Australia and overseas
as a unique duo in Carnatic (South Indian) classical music. They
have taken the traditional form of Carnatic music, which is usually a solo,
improvisational style, and added depth through their dual improvisations.
The interplay between the brothers who know each other’s music intimately
is incomparable, leading one Indian critic to remark “they have such
perfect synchronisation that it is difficult to make out that two instruments
are being played simultaneously..” (The
Hindu, 1999) The brothers learnt the art of veena under the
guidance of internationally acclaimed performer and teacher R.Pichumani
in India. Both Ramnath and Gopinath had successful solo careers prior
to 1994 when they decided to perform together. Since that time they
have performed at festivals around Australia, and regularly return to India.
In between performances, the Iyer Brothers teach the art of veena
playing at their school, the Pichumani School of Carnatic Music in Melbourne. |
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