Gopal Shankar Misra Biography 
Gopal Shankar Misra was a renowned musician and composer who also performed in the string instrument, Vichitra Veena. He was the son of Lalmani Misra, a renowned musician who revived the musical instrument Vichitra Veena by creating his own playing techniques. He lived during the period, 1957-1999, and was one of the leading artists among his contemporaries. He had a short life of 42 years. Within this short period, he created a niche of his own as a wonderful artist of this string instruments, and was recognised as a leading exponent of this ancient and rare instrument. He was also a renowned teacher who taught many students. His sister Ragini Trivedi is one among his foremost disciples.
Gopal Shankar Misra was born in 1957 in Kanpur into a family of renowned musicians. His father Lalmani Misra was a well-known musician and researcher who lived during the period, 1924 – 1979. When Lalmani passed away leaving behind many unfinished works, his 22-year old son decided to continue with his work and music contributions. The family eventually attained Gharana status when when Gopal’s son belonging to the third generation also entered the world of Vichitra Veena, following the legacy. Gopal’s kids have also chosen the same field of music, promoting family tradition.
Gopal got deeply interested in the field of family tradition at the age of 15. In the year 1975 his father introduced him to Chhotelal Mishra at Varanasi, he used to accompany Gopal for his music concerts. His father died four years later. Gopal had some personal losses as well. He lost his mother in 1977 and father in 1979. He also trained his younger sister, Ragini Trivedi who became a renowned musician. She performs on vichitra veena, sitar and jal tarang and the sole exponent of Misrabani. Gopal later worked as a music teacher at different educational institutions and also served as a visiting professor.
Published: October 08, 2018
Updated: October 08, 2018
