Mangaluru : Padmashri Dr Kadri Gopalnath who is one of the pioneers of Carnatic music on the saxophone in India breathed his last on Friday October 11. He was 69.

Mr Gopalnath was unwell from some time and was admitted to a private hospital in the city where he passed away on Friday.

Renowned for his way with the saxophone, he had the distinction of being the first Carnatic musician to be invited in the BBC Promenade concert in 1994, in the Royal Albert Hall at London. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2004.

He has received multiple honours and titles including awards from the Asthana Vidwan of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Sringeri Sharadha Peetam, Sri Ahobila Mutt and Sri Pillayarpatti Temple, honorary doctorate from Bangalore University, Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award from The Indian Fine arts Society, Chennai, and Kamban Pugazh award from All Ceylon Kamban Society, Sri Lanka, to name a few.

Gopalkrishna Iyer of Kalaniketana, Mangaluru was the teacher of Gopalnath.