Chitoor Gopalakrishnan

Chitoor Gopalakrishnan (1921 - 27 August 2006) was a violinist in Carnatic music field.

He Belongs to a family of musicians that included his brothers Chittoor Appanna Bhagavathar, Chittoor Subramaniam and Chittoor Thiagarajan. His brother Chittoor Appanna Bhagavathar was a violinist and a graded Harikatha artist of All India Radio.

Early life
Born in Chennai in 1921 in a family of musicians, he learnt to play violin from his father Vedachala Iyer. Iyer was Asthana Vidwan in two Samasthanams (princely states) namely Venkatagiri and Chandragiri.

Career
Gopalakrishnan began his career at the age of 13 as a supporting artiste. He accompanied most of the musicians at that time - like Tiger Varadachariar, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, D. K. Pattammal and many others. He worked in the music department of All India Radio in its Delhi and Madras (now Chennai) radio stations. His work with AIR lasted 40 years. While in Delhi, he gave a solo violin Carnatic music performance for Viceroy Lord Wavel. He retired from All India Radio in 1981. After retirement, he established a school in a village at North Arcot district to coach students in Carnatic music. Akkarai Subbulakshmi is a noted student.

Awards and felicitations
He received the Kalaimamani award of Tamil Nadu State Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram (literature, music and theatre) for the year 1989-90

Death
Chitoor Gopalakrishnan died on 27 August 2006 at the age of 86.