Padmashri, Padmabhushan Sangeetha Kalanidhi Professor Trippunitura Narayanan Krishnan, popularly known as T.N.K., is one of the most respected, renowned and reputed Indian Classical musicians of India. He has more than seventy years of service as a classical violinist! Prof. Krishnan, who is a genius exponent of the violin, has led a very fulfilling life as a Carnatic musician. He has the rare distinction of accompanying almost all the legendary musicians from Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, T. R. Mahalingam, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, Musiri Subramaniya Iyer, G. N. Balasubramaniam, Madurai Mani Iyer to Alathur Brothers along with a host of other musicians as well.

Even though Prof. Krishnan’s roots are in Kerala, his presence in Chennai can be traced back to the early 1940s. His vision as a soloist continues to be as meditative as it used to be halfway through his remarkably long career. Over the years, his technique has become even more sophisticated and subtle. Even though Carnatic music now stands between conservatism and overpowering liberalism, a teacher like Prof. T.N. Krishnan still serves to uphold the grandeur and depth of traditional Carnatic music. His emphasis on melodic clarity, spectral fidelity, and a bold and emphatic bowing technique are unparalleled in his field.

Prof. T. N. Krishnan has traveled the world over, performing and promoting Indian classical music for the past sixty years. He has visited the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, the former Soviet Republics, the Middle and Far East not only performing and enthralling audiences but also conducting music workshops for teaching and promoting awareness of Indian classical music.

Prof. Krishnan’s rich and vibrant style has been admired and adopted by a number of younger musicians including his daughter, Viji Krishnan, and son, Sriram Krishnan, who carry on his musical legacy very elegantly. His sister, Dr. N. Rajam is one of the foremost Hindustani violinists in India.