15 Facts About Kadri Gopalnath

Kadri Gopalnath was an Indian alto saxophonist and one of the pioneers of Carnatic music for that instrument.

Kadri Gopalnath presented his first concert in the All India Radio, Mangaluru in 1978.

Kadri Gopalnath had to make certain modifications to the conventional alto saxophone to play Carnatic music.

Kadri Gopalnath has participated in the Jazz Festival in Prague, the Berlin Jazz Festival, the International Cervantino Festival in Mexico, the Music Hall Festival in Paris, the BBC Promenade concert in 1994 at London, and has toured all over the world.

Kadri Gopalnath cut many albums and recorded a number of cassettes and CDs.

Kadri Gopalnath's production called 'East-West' is an audio-video presentation that, as the title suggests, is a fusion of Western and Indian music.

In 2005, Kadri Gopalnath began a collaboration with American saxophonist and composer Rudresh Mahanthappa, which resulted in the 2008 album Kinsmen and supporting US tour.

Kadri Gopalnath was a famed teacher, having taught many prominent saxophonists around the world.

Kadri Gopalnath died on 11 October 2019 due to cardiac arrest at the age of 69 at a private hospital in Mangalore.

Kadri Gopalnath was ailing for a long time before his death, and could not attend many concerts.

Kadri Gopalnath is survived by his wife Sarojini and three children, among whom, his younger son Manikanth Kadri, is a professional musician and music director.

Kadri Gopalnath 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.

Kadri Gopalnath received an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University in 2004.

Kadri Gopalnath received the Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award for the year 2013 given by The Indian Fine arts Society, Chennai.

Kadri Gopalnath received the Kamban Pugazh award for the year 2018 given by All Ceylon Kamban Society, Sri Lanka.