Umayalpuram K.Sivaraman

Umayalpuram K.Sivaraman was born in 1935 in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. He received his training in Mridangam from Natesa Iyer, Tanjore Vaidyanatha Iyer, Palghat Mani Iyer and Kumbakonam Rangu Iyengar. He represents the Tanjore school of Mridangam-playing. He is also admired for his mastery over the Kanjira and Ghatam and for his rendering of Konnakkol.

Umayalpuram Sivaraman has been performing on the concert platform for more than 45 years and has distinguished himself both as a soloist and accompanist. He has participated in Tal Vadya Katcheries with reputed percussionists from both the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. He has also published a monograph on the Mridangam.

He received the title Kalaimamani from the Tamil nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram in 1977 and the Padma Shri in 1988. He was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Carnatic instrumental music in 1992.