Chennai’s prodigy pianist Lydian Nadhaswaram wows the world

Chennai: Lydian Nadhaswaram, the 13-year-old musical prodigy pianist from the 'Mozart of Madras' AR Rahman's KM Music Conservatory, known as the “Mini Maestro,” won the $1 million (about Rs 7 crore) top prize on the CBS global talent show 'The World's Best'.

He beat South Korea's Kukkiwon, a.k.a. “The Flying Taekwondo Masters.”

“It's like the Olympics for entertainment,” is how executive producer Mark Burnett has been describing “The World's Best,” contest hosted by James Corden. On Wednesday night, after weeks of flashy theatrics, the first season champion was crowned, and the winning act is that of young pianist Lydian.

The KM Music Conservatory, celebrating 11 years of bringing international music training to future generations of Indian students, hosted a special function on Thursday to honour Lydian's achievement in winning the CBS show.  

Lydian, the child prodigy musician, has been making waves the world over with his brilliance and vivacity at the keys, a statement from KM Music Conservatory, read. With signature performances including playing blindfolded, playing two pianos, and dazzling at breath-taking speeds, this young talent has already become a household name with viral Youtube videos and appearances on the likes of 'The Ellen Show'.

Lydian is well known to music teachers and aficionados in Chennai, having worked with many notable experts in the city and having spent four-years training on a full-scholarship at AR Rahman's KM Music Conservatory under Surojeet Chatterji in the Russian Piano School.

Principal and founder A.R. Rahman said 'Lydian's success is India's success, in a world with so much negativity and restlessness, this has brought hope, love and happiness to our lives. Who knew that, KMMC, a seed sown 11 years ago, would bring such inspiration to so many, such is the extraordinary power of music',”

Executive Director Fathima Rafiq said “I still remember when Lydian first came to KM during our cultural festival Rangrezza on drums. After joining KM he quickly shifted to studying piano in our Russian Piano studio where his performance flair was further developed. Even from that time it was clear he would reach international platforms. We hope that KM will continue to be a platform to nurture new talents of the future.”