Bellary M Raghavendra

Vidwan Ballary M Raghavendra is a prominent Carnatic vocalist from Karnataka. He has a master's degree in music from Bangalore University. He has served in various capacities across multiple All India Radio stations in Karnataka. Initially joining as a program executive, he later went on to become the Assistant Station Director in AIR. He is a Top grade artist of All India Radio in Carnatic classical music. He has the rare privilege of being an A grade artist also in devotional and light classical forms of music. He is popularly known for delivering music compositions with lyrical clarity, emotion and good use of rhythmic patterns After his retirement from All India Radio, he is currently serving as a guest faculty at Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing arts university in Mysore.

Lineage Vidwan Ballary M Raghavendra was born in Hospet, Ballary, Karnataka on 23 April 1958. The father of Raghavendrachar was Narasimhachar, grand father was Venkannachar. They were basically from the Mundragi village of Gadag district. Later Raghavendrachar left Mundragi village and settled in Ballary.

His father Sri Ballary M Venkateshachar has been conferred with 'Sangeeta Vidyanidhi' award from Mysore JSS Sangeeta Sabha, 'Ashthana Vidwan' award from Shri Ganapathi Sacchidananda Ashrama's avadhoota datta peetha, 'Karnataka Kalashri' award from Karnataka state sangeeta nritya academy.

Continuing the tradition Raghavendra's family members have continued the tradition of promoting Carnatic classical music. His sister Shrimati Vani Sateesh is a prominent Carnatic vocalist, who had given her first concert at the age of 10. Raghavendra got greatly influenced by popular artist M Prabhakar in the genre of light music and performed together with him in many musical programmes.

Musical performance Raghavendra started giving stage performances at a very young age. He gave his first stage performance at the age of 9 years. Raghavendra has produced many music-based programmes such as Aaswaada (on music appreciation), Swarasangama (on teaching music) and many other musical features, which are highly popular among the music-lovers and general public. In addition to being a vocalist, he is well versed in Konnakol and Morsing. It is started with an intention to provide Fine arts education in schools; bringing rare concerts to the public; and recognizing the efforts of individuals striving to propagate music in society. The organization was inaugurated on 29 January 2011 and Sri Mysore Sateesh is the trustee of this organization.