of the brothers' training. After about a year's absence, the brothers returned to Chembai in 1910 as experienced musicians. Accolades from Palghat Anantharama Bhagavatar (1911) The quality of the musicianship of the brothers was testified to by Palghat Anantharama Bhagavatar who was present at a concert in Sekharipuram in 1911. Particularly complimenting Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar's voice, he predicted a bright future for him. Violin and flute training (1912) Chembai also started learning to play the violin, something with which he was already familiar, his father being also a violinist. He attained some proficiency, enough to be able to accompany singers (which helped him when he was to lose his voice in 1952). For about a year he in fact accompanied flautist Anantha Bhagavatar, who was his sister Narayani's husband. He was also interested in the flute and learnt to play it well enough to perform a few concerts on this instrument. Karur concert (1913) A patron of the arts and artists named Pethachi Chettiar lived in Karur (near Trichy). He used to conduct a festival featuring music concerts by the leading musical lights of the day. The arrangements of this music test were the responsibility of the celebrated musician and vaggeyakara Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar. Chembai wanted to attend this music festival and he and his brother proceeded to Karur. He met Muthiah Bhagavatar and expressed his desire to perform in the festival. Muthiah Bhagavatar had told him that the performance schedules were prepared in advance and could not be altered. Chembai was keenly disappointed, but destiny took a hand. The violin accompanist for a jalatarangam concert failed to arrive. Chembai persuaded the artist to avail of his own services and she agreed. The concert turned out well and, as was customary, Chembai was handed over his payment for the part he had played. He, however, expressed a wish not to be paid in cash, saying that he had actually wanted only to sing. He explained he was building up a career as a vocalist, though he also knew how to play the violin; and that he would prize a different kind of payment, that of a chance to sing before such a distinguished audience. Muthiah Bhagavatar and Pethachi Chettiar were persuaded by this reasoning and promised Chembai the stage for the following day, where he performed to the appreciation of all. Pondicherry concert (1915) He received an invitation to sing at