Seshampatti T. Sivalingam

Seshampatti Thirthagiri Sivalingam is a master of the nadaswaram, the long double-reed wind instrument of south Indian temple and concert music. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2024 in the field of art, from Tamil Nadu ^[1].

Training

He was born on 7 July 1944 and began learning from his father, Seshampatti P. Thirthagiri, at seven, going with him to concerts by great players such as T. N. Rajarathinam Pillai ^[2]. He trained further in Thanjavur under Keevalur N. G. Ganesan, then moved to Chennai in 1971 to study at the College of Carnatic Music, later learning from Keeranur Ramaswami Pillai and Thiruvarur Latchappa Pillai on a Government of India scholarship ^[2].

Concert artist

Sivalingam developed his own style, known for its detailed, traditional raga alapanas, and became one of the leading nadaswaram players at the major music halls ^[2]. He has performed abroad in cities including New York, Chicago and Sydney, and has taught students from Denmark, Sweden, the USA and Hungary ^[2]. A top-grade artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, he has broadcast for more than fifty years and has recorded several albums ^[2].

His honours include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Kalaimamani award and the Music Academy’s TTK award ^[2].