Sri. Prapancham S. Balachandran is an ‘A-Top’ graded Carnatic flutist who hails a family of illustrious musicians. His mother, Thanjavur V. Prema, is a reputed Carnatic vocalist. He underwent initial training in Carnatic music and flute from Sangeetha Bhooshanam Pozhakudi Sri P.V. Ganesa Iyer and Kattuputhur Smt T.R. Nagarathinam Ammal. He later underwent professional training in Flute under Sangeetha Kalanithi Padmasri Dr. N. Ramani for more than 35 years and has also performed alongside him in a number of concerts. Being one of the senior-most disciples of Dr. N.Ramani, he currently plays an active role in propagating the Carnatic Flute through teaching and lecture demonstrations. As a Guru, Shri Prapancham Balachandran’s unique teaching methods have proved so effective that some of his students are now graded artists of All India Radio. Also a postgraduate in Music, he has presented numerous research papers and lecture demonstrations. Sri. Prapancham S. Balachandran is a State level Gold Medallist adjudged by none other than the legendary Dr.Semmengudi Sri.R.Srinivasa Iyer. He is also a recipient of numerous awards and titles that include ‘Flute Mali Award’ by the Madras Music Academy, ‘Venugana Rathna’ by Sangeeta Mumurthigal Committee, ‘Mathura Murali Puraskar’ by Dr. Balamuralikrishna, Vipanchee and so on. He was conferred with the title ‘Pullankuhal Innisaivendu’ by Tamil Nadu Mangalavadya Isai Kalaigar Sangam, Chennai in the year 2001.
