In a heart to heart with A.D. Zachariah, the musical master of many instruments he gives us insights into what makes music the food of life.

No strings attached!

A.D. Zachariah is no stranger to awards with his multifaceted talents in the music field and it comes as no surprise to know that he has been the recipient of the "Rajyothsava Award", "Kalabhooshana", "Chowdiah Memorial state award", or the "Karnataka Kalashri".

Versatility is his middle name, with his proven Carnatic expertise on a variety of instruments like Violin, Mandolin, Casio keyboard, Harmonium and the Nadatarang.

The Nadatarang remains one of his most noteworthy achievements, it is an innovation on the Bul-Bul -Tarang, adding to the long lists of 'firsts' to his credit. He has elevated it to the level of the Veena or the Violin with his consummate skill and attention to detail. Electronic gadgetry and attached resonating strings help the player to dexterously maneuver his way through the complexities classical music entails.

It has thus rightly achieved its place among the solo classical music instruments. This is testimony to his mastery of every facet of music and his constant thirst for discovery and greater success. The processes that led to the birth of this instrument can be traced far back into the childhood of Mr.Zachariah, when he toyed with this Japanese toy instrument for hours on end.

Having initially trained under the German violinist Herr.Ludwig, and B.N.Murthy, he attributes his chief musical influences to Venkatswamy Naidu, of the Dwaram Baani. S.Chandrappa also impressed him with the intricacies of rhythm he effortlessly displayed. For his abiding interest in Dikshitar's kritis he credits D.Subbaramaiah. He has also served as a violin staff artist at AIR, where he directed and produced many musical features. He has given memorable performances individually in India and the UK, to entertain audiences from various backgrounds.

This musical maestro has had a lifelong commitment to playing traditional Carnatic music on western instruments and demonstrates a hitherto unknown variety and innovation by his endeavors. He has always maintained that it is the artist's skill that is of paramount importance and which helps in highlighting the best features of any given instrument.

He calls the violin the king of instruments given its amazing range and possibility it offers, but at no point should any instrument be compared to another and each should be accorded the due respect it deserves. Beauty is inherent in each instrument and how an artist brings out the best in each is a testimonial to the skill one possesses.

He looks to transcend all barriers with his music that strives for universal appeal; he has the distinction of being the only Christian in the field of Carnatic instrumental music, a fact he would like to change dearly. He regards classical music to be the richest storehouse of culture and a mirror of society, all the more reason all he would like more active participation in it regardless of petty considerations that plague us.

Zachariah has contributed his expertise in diverse fields, he displays the same dedication be it in teaching mathematics, classical music or writing books.

He retains an undying love and sense of awe for music that constantly draws him with its depth of emotions and subtle enchantments. We wish this musician who has dazzled audiences across generations with his virtuosity, the very best in his future tuneful experiments.

For more details contact him at:

A.D.Zachariah
4, M.G.Road, Bangalore -1
Ph No : 5323202

By Preeti Prakash

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