Chennai: Eminent musicologist and musician Dr Premeela Gurumurthy took charge as vice-chancellor of Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University on Wednesday. She is probably the first musician adept in Carnatic, Hindustani and Tamil devotional music to occupy the VC chair.
A former dean of music department in Vels University and also the former president and the chairperson of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, professor and head, department of Indian music, University of Madras, Premeela has been the brain behind the launching of new and specialised courses in Madras university.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle after assuming charge as VC, Premeela said, "I am happy. It is new and a challenging assignment and I am looking forward to it."
Besides being a dedicated teacher, as musicologist Premeela has specialised in areas of ancient Tamil music, its history and composers. She said, "Not always you can become a performer in 2 years. But definitely there is scope for research which interested students can always try their hand." When asked about response to music courses, Premeela said, "Steps can be taken to improve student strength in music colleges."
She has performed several hundreds of concerts, delivered musical discourses and lecture demonstrations in India and abroad and won prestigious awards. Her contribution to the kathakalashebham, an ancient art form, has been tremendous. In December 2017, Premeela's students organised a programme and honoured her to mark 50 years of her concert performances.
