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Grand-daughter of the famous Gotuvadyam Narayana Iyengar, Kiranavali had the unique opportunity of learning from three distinguished musicians - her father Chitravina Narasimhan, her brother Chitravina Ravikiran, and the late Sangita Kalanidhi T. Brinda. Kiranavali’s full-fledged debut as a vocalist was at the age of 11 in tandem with her brother, K. N. Shashikiran. She later branched out as a soloist. Her music has won the respect and admiration of the connoisseurs, critics as well as the laymen. Reviewing a recent performance of hers in New Delhi, The Hindu said, “In an atmosphere of showmanship and gimmicks pervading the performing arts, it was heartening to see that there are youngsters who still believe in substance. Kiranavali's pristine pure music, unfailingly melodious and resonant voice, and her neat presentation had all the ingredients of a high-class performance.”
Kiranavali also plays the slide instrument, Chitravina, on which she has presented several solo concerts, in addition to teaming up with her brother, Ravikiran. Shanmukha (October 1995), a leading music journal observed in a solo concert of hers, “A painter-musician, the tone-colour, the depth and dimension, shades and sparkles come so natural to Kiranavali. The gayaki (vocal) style was predominant throughout. One perceived her playing for self-enjoyment, self-fulfilment.” Kiranavali’s vocal-instrumental background has given her a fine sense of aesthetics, combined with an analytical approach and a spirit of adventure. She is a sensitive musician with a deep commitment to highly refined musical values.
Kiranavali has performed extensively in India and the US, both as a vocalist and as an instrumentalist, at noteworthy organizations and festivals like the National Centre for Performing Arts (Mumbai), India International Centre (New Delhi), The Music Academy (Chennai), Narada Gana Sabha (Chennai), Brahma Gana Sabha (Chennai), Shanmukhananda Fine Arts (Mumbai), and the Cleveland Tyagaraja Festival (USA). Many of these concerts have earned her awards for best performances. She has also lent her voice for several recordings and television productions. Besides concerts in the regular format, she has presented many special thematic concerts. One of her most recent achievements, showcasing her creative abilities and solid musicianship, was a unique Ragam Tanam Pallavi concert featuring 108 Ragas.
Kiranavali is also a gifted teacher, with an experience of nearly 20 years, belying her age. She has trained numerous students at the institutional as well as private levels in India. Today, she continues to add value to the Carnatic music scene in the USA by training students at various levels in cities such as Philadelphia, Buffalo, Sacramento and so on. She is regularly invited to conduct workshops and music camps on different aspects of Carnatic music for diverse audiences/participants. Over the years, she has presented several individual students and groups in concerts and thematic events.
She has distinguished herself as an eminent writer and editor too. Under her editorship, www.carnatica.com emerged as one of the top-notch websites in Carnatic music, and won the Britannica Award for Excellence within a few months of its launch. In 2002, she edited a book titled Ragas at a Glance. She regularly writes on music and musicians for newspapers, music journals and websites.
Kiranavali’s accomplishments extend to other spheres of academics and arts as well. She has won many ranks for outstanding performances in academics including some National, Regional and School firsts. Her skills at painting earned her an All-India first prize during her school years. Now she gives vent to her visual creativity by designing websites and in home decor.
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