Nanthesh Sivarajah

Nanthesh Sivarajah is an accomplished Australian percussionist and multi-instrumentalist known for his expertise in South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and Western percussion forms. He plays instruments like the mridangam, kanjira, ghatam, morsing, and drum kit. Nanthesh is best known for his collaborative work with violinist Bhairavi Raman; together, they blend Western and Carnatic traditions to create a unique sound that reflects their shared Tamil heritage and diasporic identities. Their debut full-length album, *Syncretic* (2025), showcases this fusion through intricate rhythmic dialogues and improvisations rooted in traditional carnatic rhythmic cycles and melodic frameworks.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Nanthesh moved to Melbourne at a young age, escaping the Sri Lankan civil war, and has since become a prominent figure in the Australian music scene. With over 15 years of performance experience, including appearances at prestigious venues such as the Madras Music Academy, he combines traditional knowledge with contemporary musical exploration. Besides performance, Nanthesh is actively involved in promoting South Asian arts within the community.