The first-ever film orchestra conductor in unified Andhra Pradesh, Peddireddi Gangadharam, passed away after a brief illness here on Saturday. He was 79. He is survived by wife, son, and daughter.

Born and brought up at Hasanbada near Draksharama in East Godavari district, Gangadharam learnt Carnatic music from Ch. Sanyasi Rao and harmonium from Akula Narasimha Rao in his childhood. His penchant for film music made him launch Gangadharam Music Party with five members in 1955, which was the first film orchestra in the Telugu States.

Subsequently, he resigned to his government job and turned a full-time orchestra conductor and gave thousands of performances in India and abroad over the years.

Renowned playback singers S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, P.B. Srinivas, V. Ramakrishna, Madhavapeddi Satyam, V. Anand, and Jikki sang for his orchestra many a time.

Last year, he celebrated the diamond jubilee of his orchestra here for three days, in which Mr. Balasubrahmanyam and Kalpana enthralled the audience along with several up-and-coming singers.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / Staff Reporter / Kakinada – March 27th, 2016