Violin maestro M S Gopalakrishnan dies

Violin maestro, M S Gopalakrishnan, died Thursday at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

The veteran violinist's career spanned over seven decades. He first performed with his late father, Parur Sundaram Iyer, at a tender age of 8.

He has toured Australia, the US, the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Gopalakrishnan, who is well-versed in both North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian Carnatic) systems, was awarded with Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India in 2012.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.