Shashank Subramanyam

• Date of Birth: October 14, 1978

• Place of Birth: Rudrapatna, Karnataka, India

• Profession: Musician, flutist

• Musical Genre: Carnatic music (classical music of South India)

• Primary Instrument: Bamboo transverse flute (Venu)

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Early Life and Education

Shashank Subramanyam was born into a family passionate about classical music. He showed an early talent for music, beginning to play the flute at the age of six. He was trained by several eminent masters, including his father Subramanyam, as well as renowned figures in Carnatic music such as R.K. Srikantan and Palghat K.V. Narayanaswami. Shashank also studied Western music, broadening his musical horizon.

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Career

Shashank began performing on stage at a very young age and quickly gained international fame. At just 12 years old, he was invited to play at the Madras Carnatic Music Festival, a rare honor for a child of his age. His virtuosity and ability to play complex passages with ease set him apart from his peers.

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He has traveled and performed in many countries, playing at prestigious venues such as the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

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Shashank is also known for his collaborations with musicians from different musical traditions, incorporating elements of jazz, folk music, and Western classical music into his performances. This fusion approach has helped bring Carnatic flute music to a wider and more diverse audience.

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Awards

Shashank Subramanyam has received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career. Among the most notable are:

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017), the highest recognition for artists in India.

• The Kalaimamani Award (2003) awarded by the government of Tamil Nadu.

• Several other distinctions from prestigious musical institutions in India and abroad.

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Teaching and Contributions

In addition to his performing career, Shashank is also a dedicated teacher. He has trained numerous students in Carnatic music and has given workshops and masterclasses around the world. He has also published several instructional recordings and original compositions, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of Carnatic music.

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Influence and Legacy

Shashank Subramanyam is widely regarded as one of the greatest flautists of his generation. His technical skill, deep understanding of Carnatic music, and willingness to push musical boundaries make him a key figure in contemporary Indian classical music. His influence is felt not only in India but also in the global musical community, where he is respected and admired for his mastery and innovation.