Kaivalya Kumar Gurav
Pandit Kaivalya Kumar Gurav is among the younger generation of Hindustani musicians who carry on this glorious tradition with his unique and innovative approach towards Indian classical music, and its teaching.
He hails from Dharwad, state of Karnataka, which even though a part of South India, is admired as a great nourisher of North Indian classical music.
He belongs to a tradition of Hindustani classical vocal excellence and represents the third generation of a family of musicians. His grandfather, Pandit Ganapataro Gurav, was a direct disciple of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the founder of Kirana Gharana, and in present days, Pt. Kaivalya Kumar is a leading exponent of this tradition.
Gifted with a naturally high pitched, mellifluous voice, Pt. Kaivalya Kumar’s performances are marked by his unique natural approach and rhythm. He brings a certain flamboyance to his renditions with sharp tonal quality, agile pace, vocal tenor and feverish dedication to music.
Pt. Kaivalya Kumar strives for simplicity and the humane pursuit of happiness which reflects in his approach towards singing: “When I go from one note to another note, I take its permission before entering it. You can’t go bursting through musical notes.”
He is the youngest Hindustani classical vocalist to get at the age of 35 a top grade by All India Radio and Doordarshan, the country’s national television network.
Pt. Kaivalya Kumar has been credited with several music albums and brilliant performances at prestigious music festivals. He has also performed in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Dubai, Muscat, Qatar and other countries.
