Saxophonist Padmashri Dr Kadri Gopalnath dies at 69

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 11 Oct: Padmashri Dr Kadri Gopalnath, one of the pioneers of Carnatic music on the saxophone in India, passed away on Friday, October 11. He was 69.

 

Gopalnath was unwell from some time and was admitted to a private hospital in the city. He breathed his last early in the morning on Friday.

 

 

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004. He had the distinction of being the first Carnatic musician to be invited in the BBC Promenade concert in 1994, in the Royal Albert Hall at London.

 

Awards from the Asthana Vidwan of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Sringeri Sharadha Peetam, Sri Ahobila Mutt and Sri Pillayarpatti Temple, honorary doctorate from Bangalore University, Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award from The Indian Fine arts Society, Chennai, and Kamban Pugazh award from All Ceylon Kamban Society, Sri Lanka, are a few of the honours and titles he received.

 

Gopalnath learned to play the saxophone under Gopalkrishna Iyer of Kalaniketana, Mangaluru.