ABOUT

A freelance Carnatic Musician, who is a native of Palakol, West Godavari Dist, Andhra Pradesh. Raju, underwent 7 years of rigorous training through Gurukulavasam system from Late Sri.R.Subbaraju. Sri.R.Subbaraju ,who is also a native of Raju’s hometown was a disciple of the legend late Sri.Chembai Vaidhyanadha Baghavathar. It was Sri R.Subbaraju who was instrumental in introducing Mandolin to the field of Indian Classical Carnatic Music. Sri.R.Subbaraju, who was a Vocalist used to sing and explain the nuances of Gamakas which Raju tried in his own style to adopt the phrases on the Mandolin. For more than two decades Raju has been performing in various Sabhas of Chennai and other major Cities of India for different Festivals. He is also a regular performer at the Chennai's most esteemed December Season Music Festival. Raju,has extensively performed around the Globe in the Countries like South Africa, USA, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, France and Germany. Raju, has also achieved name and fame through his Solo/Duo Audio CD's and Cassettes under the banners of AVM, Mudhra, Sangeetha, HMV and Geetha Cassettes. Raju and his wife Nagamani, together they form a formidable Mandolin Duo. Mandolin Sri.U.P.Raju, has won many Awards and Prizes from various esteemed Organisations. He is also training many students in this unique instrument, which includes Online Classes for the students in Canada, USA, Switzerland, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, France. In 1997 - He was assessed as an "A" Grade artiste by the All India Radio (AIR), Chennai. In 1998 - Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai has awarded him The Music Critic K.S.Mahadevan endowment for showing excellence in Foreign Instrument. In 1999 - Saraswathi Gana Sabha, Cuddalore, Tamilnadu, has conferred him the title "Sruthi Laya Samrat" . In 2004 - Bharat Kalachar, Chennai has conferred the title "Yuva Kala Bharathi" to him. In 2010 – U.P.Raju has also released a DVD named "Learn To Play Mandolin"Under the banner Super Audio Company. This DVD on Mandolin is First Of Its Kind. In 2012 - Started "Shastriya Mandolin Sikshana", a school for learning Mandolin both Personally and Online through Skype. In 2013- He was given "Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Asthana Vidwan" . In 2015 - Along with Mandolin U.Nagamani, Mandolin U.P.Raju conducts "Guru Smaranam" every year to pay their respects to their beloved Guru late Sri.Rudraraju Subbaraju, A Program dedicated to their Guru. In 2016 – He was awarded "A TOP" Grade by All India Radio (AIR). Top ranking for Classical Mandolin. In 2018 – Received "Gandharva Kala Ratna" title from Gandharva Gana Sabha, Chennai.