Musical Lineage

B. Lakshmi Shree was born in the sixth generation in the family of musicians. Her father Dr K. B. S. Mani who was a well-known Mridangam artiste and a professor in veterinary science introduced her to music. She started initial Vocal training from her grandfather Late Sri A. K. Sundaram Iyer and continued her training from her maternal uncle and husband Vidwan Shri A. S. Murali. She also trained from Sangeetha Kala Acharya, Padmabhushan Sri. P. S. Narayanaswamy. Lakshmi Shree is one of the most accomplished artistes in the field of Carnatic music (South Indian Classical Music). Lakshmi Shree holds a first-class degree in Master of Music and Business Administration from the University of Madras and Diploma in teacher’s training from the Music Academy, Chennai. In addition, she had a higher diploma in Software Engineering from APTECH, Chennai. Her international performances include performance in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, France and many other countries.

Mentor Experiences

Her resonant and mellifluous voice and strict adherence to classicism have enriched her art. Her music is marked with a very high level of aesthetics in conception and execution. Her complete involvement and her ability to unfold ragas with ease make her stand apart.

Performances

She performed her first vocal concert at the tender age of 10. She is a graded artiste of AIR, Chennai. She participated in several music competitions and has won prizes and appreciation from one and all. The tremendous talent, promise and potential shown from the age of 7 has been carefully nurtured and stood her in good stead in all these years culminating into becoming a musician for the future. She performed in many vocal concerts and vocal duo with Guru A. S. Murali in esteemed organizations and sabhas all over the world.

Lakshmi Shree is also an accomplished violin artist. She started receiving her initial training from Vidwan Shri K. T. Sivaganesh. She further received advance training from Vidwan Sri. Kovai B. Dakshinamurthy and Vidwan Sri. V. V. Ravi. She has accompanied violin for numerous vocal concerts in all Chennai sabhas including Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, Narada Gana Sabha and many sabhas out of Chennai.

Training Experience

Apart from performing, Lakshmi Shree is also known for her eminent teaching skills. She is a Director of A.K.Sundaram Arts Academy, having students from all parts of the World. She has learnt the nuances of teaching from Sri A. S. Murali and Sri. P. S. Narayanaswamy who also recommended a number of students to be trained under her. She is known for her strict adherence to traditional values for the music system and has very high expectations from her students. Being a firm believer in traditional learning techniques, she gives more importance to a firm grounding in fundamentals and expects the dedicated practice of her students. She has conducted workshops, lectures on music and music appreciation programs.

Awards/ Achievements

• Junior scholarship for both vocal and violin from Department of Culture, India.
• Many awards including Youth Excellence for Music, Ganakuyil, Sangeetha Bharathi, Yuvasri.
• 1st prize – Tambura in Intercollege competition held at the University of Thanjavur, 2004.