Biography

Taalyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar is a professional instrumentalist based out of Pune, Maharashtra. He is one of the greatest Tabla exponents of today. As an accomplished artist and a guru, he has contributed immensely to the glorious tradition of Indian classical music. He belongs to the illustrious Keertankar family of Shri Dholebuva. At a very young age, Shri Dattatray Talwalkar, his father, initiated him into the art of tabla. He then took his lessons from the veteran gurus, Pt Vinayakrao Ghangrekar and Pt Pandharinath Nageshkar. He also learnt the intricacies of Carnatic Layashastra, or the science of rhythm, from Pt Ramnad Ishwaran, the renowned Mridangam player. This diverse training enabled Suresh to imbibe the subtleties of both, the North and the South Indian music, transforming him into a solo performer with an individual expression. Being privileged with an unmatched talent, Suresh has accompanied many great artists in their concerts. Pt Nivruttibuva Sarnaik and Pt Gajananbuva Joshi are amongst those whom he accompanied the most. He gratefully regards them as gurus and attributes to them the sincere insight that he carries today for the classical music. His genius is highlighted by the exquisite renderings of Taal Mala and Joad Taal, a contribution applauded alike by the masses and connoisseurs. Suresh introduced the novel concept of taking vocal accompaniment and added a new direction and dimension to the solo playing of tabla. His unending quest for innovation and creativity makes him a distinguished composer. His CDs like Laya Kalpana and Taal Yatra can be cited best for the same. His compositions have inspired not only the musicians from India but also from Western countries and today, many jazz composers seek his guidance in their musical journey. Suresh is an ardent follower of the Guru Shishya Parampara and believes the soul of Indian classical music. As a guru, his teaching expertise and abilities are unmatched. Today, amongst the best tabla players in the newer generation, the majority are his disciples. Under his guidance, they have attained a proficiency, equally high, whether in the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music or solo playing or with Kathak dance. With his vast experience both as a guru or a performing artist, his thorough knowledge of music and musicology, and with his abilities to communicate even the complex concepts of music, Suresh is always a prominent speaker in workshops and seminars. Suresh has been conferred upon with many awards and honours. The most prestigious of them include Vasantrao Naik Puraskar, Pt Vishnu Digambar Paluskar Award, an award from Naad Brahma and Government of Andhra Pradesh, and the title of 'Taal Yogi' rendered by the Shankaracharya. Suresh has also been honoured by the President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Award, a national award for his contributions to classical music. He is amongst the best tabla players of India, who regularly travels for his programmes across and outside the country. He frequently visits European and Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, USA, UK, and Canada. He has also toured to Turkey, Middle-East, Norway, Iran, Spain, Sweden, Holland, France, and the African continent. Pandit Suresh Talwalkar is indeed a name, synonym for the untiring efforts, devotion, and unending passion in pursuit of promoting Indian classical music. Achievements: Giants International Award, 2007 Shri Laxmimata Kala Sanskriti Puraskar, 2007 Swarasadhana Ratna Puraskar, 2008 Abhinav Kala Samaj, Indore Has also been honoured with a title of Sangeet Poornacharya by Poornawad Vishwavidya Pratisthan