Excerpt from article published in The Hindu (Dec 13, 2002) by Nandini Ramani on the occasion of Kalpakam teacher being conferred the title Sangita Kala Acharya by the Music Academy, Madras.
Among the three recipients of Sangita Kala Acharya this year, veena vidushi Kalpakam Swaminathan, 80 year-old veteran tops the list, as being a true adherent of a grand tradition that she upholds with utmost reverence and integrity. Born in Sethalapatti village in Thanjavur District, Kalpakam Swaminathan was initiated into the realms of music first by her mother Abhayambal at the tender age of eight. Thereafter, she continued her training both in vocal and instrumental with stalwarts in the field like Ananthakrishna Iyer, Musiri Subramania Iyer, Budalur Krishnamurthi Sastrigal and T. L. Venkatarama Iyer.
Kalpakam Swaminathan, is known for her impeccable rendering of the compositions in the true gayaki (vocalised) style, a hallmark of the unique Thanjavur bani. Learning a vast repertoire of vainika gayaka Muthuswami Dikshitar, from an authority like T. L. Venkatarama Iyer has added yet another dimension to her high standard of performance. Kalpakam was brought into the field of teaching and assigned a job at the Kalakshetra, Chennai, by none other than Tiger Varadachariar who found in her a refined musician. Kalpakam has travelled widely in India and abroad for concerts and conducting workshops.
Kalpakam Swaminathan, a widely respected teacher represents the true essence of a Mouna Guru who communicates with silence and humility, and imparts only the notes of excellence to her disciples.
Source: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/12/13/stories/2002121301420800.htm
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