For Panditji music is life tradition, the soul. It is his strict classicism and refusal to compromise with what is popular has earned him the reputation of being one of the only true representatives of his gharana.

Pt. Laxman Krishnarao Pandit represents the Gwalior gharana (school) of Hindustan classical music – the oldest tradition and the fountainhead of all subsequent gharanas. Born on 5 March 1934 into a family of musicians, Panditji is the fifth in an  unbroken lineage of legendary musicians. His grandfather, Pt. Shankarrao Pandit, was a direct disciple of  the founder of the Gwalior gharana – Ustad Haddu, Nathu and Nissar Hussain Khan. His father Padma Bhushan Pt. Krishnarao Shankar Pandit trained Panditji since early childhood in khayal, tappa, tarana, ashtapadi and thumri.

The accuracy of his notes is legendary,and his Khayal style unparalleled.  He follows the Gwalior gharana formate faithfully, and develops ragas in Ashtaang gayaki, (a systematic eight-fold elaboration of the raga).Which are alap-behlawa, bol-alap, taan, bol-taans, layakari, gamak, meend-soot, murki-khatka-jamjama, with its varieties. He combines sound Knowledge of ragas with masterly handling of rhythm, which makes climaxing at the 'sam' a unique experience each time.

Laxman Pandit is one of the few musician today who can render the difficult genre of tappa with ease and fluidity. Tappa is the most taxing form of singing and demands instant, protracted moves up and down the saptak (octave), which calls for constant innovation, apart from superb breath-holding holding capacity.

Panditji's repertoire includes a treasure house of some of the rarest, ancient and most beautiful bandishes (compositions), handed down to him by his illustrious ancestors. To make sure that these do not go into oblivion, some have been recorded by the Ford Foundation, Sangeet Natak Acakemi, Samvad Foundation, All India Radio and other archival institutional.

Besides being an excellent performer, Panditji's contribution to music is his excellence and throughness as a Guru(teacher).  He was associated with the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts,Delhi University, as Professor and as Producer (music) with the All India Radio.

He has presented a popular serial on classical music appreciation, Prabhati, for television which was first of its kind. He is a serious scholar, and is currently engaged in documenting the style and compositions of his gharana, with a view to preserve them for posterity.

Panditji has given several thousands of concerts, radio and television performances in India and abroad and has a number of commercial releases to his credit. He is a Fellow and member of several distinguishes musical committees.

Professor Laxman Krishnarao Pandit conducted a Summer 2008 School Session called “Introduction to North Indian Classical Music” for The Peck School of Arts, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in the USA. Time period of June 25, 2008 through August 15, 2008.

Brief Description of the Course
Prof. Laxman  Krishnarao  Pandit, the legendary vocalist of the  Gwalior school of music, offers a course that combines theory and practice and is designed to increase appreciation for North Indian vocal music. The classes meet twice a week for two hours, and would cover the history of North Indian Classical Music, different kinds of music like - classical, semi-classical  and an introduction to musical terms.  Live demonstrations will be a highlight. Students will be introduced to  alankar, sargam, raga, chota khayal, tarana, alaap and taan. Raga (North Indian classical melodic form) will be covered during the course.

Private lessons will be available to participants by arrangement with the Master. The course is open to anybody with an interest in music.  Format of course is flexible and will be fine tuned  as class progresses.

HONOURS FROM THE GOVERNMENT & ACADEMIES
For his immense contribution in the field of performances, propagation among the masses, Panditji has been bestowed with many awards and honours. A few amongst them are:

1. D. Litt - by Jiwaji University

2. Sangeet Natak Academy - by Hon'ble President of India

3. Sahitya Kala Parishad Award - Govt. Of Delhi

4. Shikhar Samman - Govt. Of Madhya Pradesh

5. Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Award - Ustad Hafiz Ali Trust

6. Senior Fellowship - Dept. Of Culture, Govt. Of India

7. Ustad Chand Khan Award - Ustad Chand Khan Trust

8. Communal Harmony Award - New Delhi

9. Putturaj Gawal Pratishtha Award - Dharwad

10. Pt. Omkar Nath Thakur Award - Sanskar Bharti, Delhi

11. Sangeet Ratna - Chandigarh

12. Govind Laxmi Puraskar

13. Kothiwale Gawai

14. Tappa Samarat

15. Swar Mani

16. Gayak Shriromani

17. Gayanacharya

18. Sangeet Shriromani 

WATCH PANDITJI IN CONCERT

CONTACT
D-4/B, DDA Flats
Munirka
New Delhi - 110 067
India

Tel: + 91.11.2610 8256, Mob: +91.98106 62240
Email: panditlaxmanrao@yahoo.com