Lakshman Sruthi Orchestra
The Lakshman Sruthi Orchestra is a Manual Orchestra based in Chennai. It was established in 1987 with 10 members; since then, it has performed over 7,800 times in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and across the world. This orchestra maintains completely manual orchestration: it does not use synthesizers or any other electronic equipment .
World Record
The Lakshman Sruthi Orchestra was the first orchestra to carry out a 36-hour non-stop light music performance on 17-18 December 1994 at Kamarajar Arangam in Chennai. In doing so, it set a world record. The performance was inaugurated by Padmashree Dr. K. J. Yesudas and watched by an audience of 24,000 people. This audience included M. S .Viswanathan, T. K. Ramamoorthy, Isaignani Ilayaraja, Sankar Ganesh, Gangai Amaran, Isai Puyal, A. R. Rahman, T. Rajendar, R. Pandiarajan and Ramarajan.
Special Shows
As well as performing its own shows, the Lakshman Sruthi Orchestra also put on a show with the well-known playback singers Dr. K. J. Yesudas and Dr. S. P. Balasubramaniyam performing together in Paris, France. This same combination was promoted all over the world, with a total of 14 stage shows so far.
At another time, a show made up of film music from the Carnatic tradition was organised. This was presided over by N. S. K. Vaidhyanathan, Kadhiri Gopalnath, Nithyashree Mahadevan & Sowmya.
On 4 August 1996, a show was held for women only at Chennai at the Kamarajar Arangam.
The orchestra has frequently been involved in devotional music. For the last 14 years, they have performed completely devotional concerts, with free admission, specially for Iyyappa devotees.
In addition, the orchestra has performed large-scale gala shows in many countries across the world. These include Australia, France, Germany, Switzerland, the USA, Canada and Denmark.
Thematic Shows
The Lakshman Sruthi Orchestra has also performed various thematic shows, including:
- Patriotic Songs (Organised for Kargil Relief Fund)
- Children's Special
- Lighting Special
- Pattikada Pattanama
- Natchathira Pattu Katchery
- Kaviarasu Kannadasan Hits
- Padmashree Vairamuthu Hits
- MGR Hits
- Sivaji Hits
- Rajini Hits
- Kamal Hits
- K.Balachander Hits
- Manirathnam Hits
- Mohan Hits
- Love Failure Hits
- One Man Show without duet (by Dr. S.P.B.)
The Lakshman Sruthi Orchestra has also performed a mobile concert to raise funds and awareness for Gujarat Earthquake relief.