Padmabhushan, Padmashree Dr. K. J. Yesudas the best

FAMILY FOUNDATION
Padmabhushan, Padmashree Dr. K. J. Yesudas the best-known Indian singer, is
India's national pride. His golden voice has captured the hearts of fans all over the
world. Yesudas got his first recognition at the tender age of nine; he won a gold
medal for music, at a local competition in Fort Cochin. His father, the noted stage
actor-singer of yesteryears, Augustine Joseph, was determined to groom his eldest
son into a singer. His dream for his son was soon to be fulfilled, when divine
intervention made it possible for Yesudas to get his first break in the film
`Kalpaddukal' in 1961. Endowed with a "divine" voice and a penchant for hard
work, it was a triumphant journey for him, becoming one of the most recorded
artists ever. After recording over 40,000 songs and winning scores of accolades
including the coveted Padmashree honor and seven national awards for the best
playback singer, he is still enchanting music lovers the world over. Yesudas is the
recipient of thirty-four State Awards: sixteen from Kerala, eight from Tamil Nadu,
five from Karnataka, four from Andra Pradesh and one from Bengal. India has
bestowed upon him the highest honors including the Padmabhushan,
the
Padmashree, Sangeetha Raja, Sangeetha Chakravarthy, and Sangeetha Sagara for his
invaluable contributions to Indian music and national integration.
Yesudas has assumed the role of cultural ambassador of India during his numerable
performances abroad, promoting both Carnatic and film music. He is largely
responsible for popularizing Indian music and spreading the message of international
fellowship, for which Mother Teresa of Calcutta rightfully honored him with the
National Citizens Award on World Peace Day, 1994.
On November 14, 1999, Yesudas was presented an honorary award by UNESCO for
"Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace" at the event named "Music for
Peace," a concert to mark the dawn of the new millennium. Yesudas performed the
title track from his album "Ahimsa," accompanied by the extraordinary Pakistani
band Junoon. The synergy created by Yesudas and Junoon, aimed at peace, was an
inspiration to all those present, which included renowned artists like Lionel Richie,
Ray Charles,
Montzerra Caballe and Zubin Mehta conducting the Moscow
Philharmonic Orchestra. The legendary actors Gregory Peck, Sydney Poitier, and
Peter Ustinov were the masters of ceremony. Dignitaries from around the world,
including the heads of the European union and the ambassadors from 170 countries
attended this global event. They gave the performance a standing ovation. In 2002
another milestone for this humble legend, the Padmabhushan award from the
government of India, sparking a new era of recognition by the young and respect
from the industry. Yesudas continues to enthrall the world Indian audience with his
signature performances throughout the year, special shows at Sharjah Cricket
stadium in April 15th, 2004, previous show at the Ford Community and Performing
Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. 2008 Filmfare award went to Yesudas for his
continued success in Malayalam and south India.
In spite of all his remarkable achievements, Yesudas is a very humble and down-toearth person. His humility, perseverance and devotion to music are an inspiration to
all the young aspiring musicians who wish to follow in his footsteps.
MUSICIANS
Keyboard (Vincent)
Violin (George)
SATURDAY NOV 14, 2009 | JOHN H. WILLIAMS THEATRE, TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Flute (Raman)
Lead Guitar (Joby)
Tharangni USA. Manager & Sound
Engineer (Shajee)
Tabla (Jomy)
:: SAPAF’S UPCOMING EVENT ::
FLUTE MAESTRO SHASHANK WITH
SITAR MAESTRO USTAD SHAHID PARVEZ
JUGALBANDI :
ON APRIL 24, 2010
AT JOHN H. WILLIAMS THEATRE, TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
website:
SAPAF.ORG
|
email:
[email protected]
ORGANIZATION
SOUTH ASIAN PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION (SAPAF)
India is considered the oldest continuously surviving civilization on earth. Many of the Indian performing art forms
which have been nourished on the south Asian subcontinent have something to offer everyone, regardless of
cultural orientation. These traditions and art forms have withstood the ravages of time and many influences: the
Persians, Romans, Arabs, Moghuls and Europeans to name a few. The artistic language of the subcontinent is thus
enriched with the vitality of many styles. It is this continuously evolving Indian art, music and drama – an ancient
and distinguished tradition - that SAPAF would like to share with you. SAPAF seeks to bring these ancient
traditions to audiences in the greater Tulsa area in order to perform and educate. Its mission is to preserve and
promote the traditional, classic and folk arts of the Indian subcontinent while enhancing the awareness of South
Asian art in Oklahoma. Our goal is to motivate young people, inspire teachers and bring communities together
through innovative programs in the literary, visual and performing arts. SAPAF hosts concerts and facilitates
lecture demonstrations by visiting artists so students in Oklahoma can be inspired by these artists and share in
their dreams of a united cultural legacy that we can bequeath to our children and youth.
Our Board:
Hema Kumar - President, Santanu Das - Director, Dr. Kalpana Misra - Director, Srini Sundaramoorthy Secretary, Ram Ramakrishnan - Treasurer.
website:
SAPAF.ORG
|
email:
[email protected]
FAMILY FOUNDATION
PLATINUM SPONSORS: $2500+
2009
Joshi Technologies Inc.
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GOLD SPONSORS: $1000-$2499
Dr. Anu & Rama Challa
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2009
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