U. Shrinivas or Mandolin Shrinivas, as he has come to be known, is a musical phenomenon to whom perfection of tone and execution come spontaneously.  A child prodigy, Shrinivas has revived and raised the mandolin, a little recognized instrument, to respectable status in classical music. His fingers caress and cajole remarkable responses from this western instrument. He glides over the gamut with ease traversing 4 octaves with subtle deflections and suave certainty.  Every phrase, every design falls into place in the octaval build-up of the raga. He can evolve and execute the most intricate fraction-ridden swara (note) combinations and keep any accompanist on edge. Shrinivas has ‘wowed’ audiences all over the world since the age of twelve. It is also striking to note that he has none of the trappings of a star about him. Shy, silent, and reticent, he is rarely in the public eye, except on the podium. The list of awards conferred on him is endless. He is already one of the all-time greats and is easily the most sought after artist in India today.  In 1998 he was awarded the prestigious national title of “Padmashri” from the President of India.

Mandolin U. Rajesh  is the brother of Mandolin Maestro Shri U.Shrinivas. Tutored under the guidance of his father, Shri U.Satyanarayana, and brother, Shrinivas, Rajesh gave his first concert at the age of six.  Since then, he has been performing extensively both solo, and along with his brother, in India and in major cities around the world.  He has also performed alongside great artists like Ustad Zakir Hussain and Vikku Vinayakaram and has been part of U Shrinivas India music ensemble from 1987.

Muruga Boopathy, a renowned Mridangam player, hails from a family of musicians and artists. He was awarded Vadhya Visharada with distinction in Music college.  He has accompanied many leading Indian artists and has performed with Mandolin Shrinivas Music ensemble since 1992. Muruga Boopathy has also performed extensively in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, Australia, Dubai, Muscat and Scotland. 

S. V. Ramani is a well-known Ghatam (clay pot percussion) artist who gave his debut performance when he was only eight years old. He received his early training under Guruvayur Dorai.  Ramani has accompanied leading Carnatic Musicians for the past 28 years and has been a member of Mandolin Shrinivas ensemble since 1999.

The OEC Auditorium is located in the campus of the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul on Cleveland Ave, in the block between Ashland and Portland Avenues. Parking lot H, located at the intersection of Cretin and Summit Avenues is the best bet for free weekend parking.

Map of the Saint Paul Campus of the University of Saint Thomas.
The OEC Auditorium is Building 4 in the campus map. Please use parking lot H only, for free weekend parking.

Acknowledgments:

This activity is made possible in part by, the Series Presenter Support Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Honeywell “Dollars for Doers” Grant and the Medtronic Arts Access Program Grant. This concert is co-sponsored by KFAI “Fresh-Air” Radio (90.3FM Minneapolis/106.7 FM St. Paul).