Music Academy Madras announces annual music and dance awards for 2026

Veena Artist Jayanthi Kumaresh was awarded the Sangitha Kalanidhi award
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The Music Academy Madras, a premier institution for carnatic music and classical dance, has announced its annual Sangita Kalanidhi, Nritya Kalanidhi and other awards for 2026. 

Veena Artist Jayanthi Kumaresh was awarded the Sangitha Kalanidhi award. A performer of the Saraswati Veena, Kumaresh is a top ranking performer in Carnatic music and has contributed to the increase in the instrument’s popularity. Sugandha Kalamegham and Trichur C Narendran were awarded the Sangita Kala Acharya Awards.

 Bharata Natyam performer Narendra G was awarded the Nritya Kalanidhi award. A prominent present-day exponent of the classical dance form, Narendra is the founder director of Avigna Dance ensemble and has choreographed several group and solo performances. A Janardhanan was awarded the Nritya Kala Acharya award. 

Beyond these recognitions, Injikkudi Subramaniam TKV Ramanujacharyulu were bestowed with TTK awards while B Balasubrahmaniyan was awarded the Musicologist award. 

The music awards will be presented at the 100th Annual Conference and Concerts of the Music Academy Madras later this year. Dance awardees will receive the awards at the inauguration of The Music Academy’s 20th Annual Dance Festival in January 2027.

Published on March 15, 2026