Artist Information Sri Umayalpuram Mahalingam, known as Umayalpuram Mali on the stage, is a dynamic young Mrudangam player. He learned Mrudangam from Sri. Kumbakonam Rajappa Iyer and later from Padmashri Sri. Umayalpuram Sivaraman. He is a grade "A" artist of All India Radio. He has accompanied all leading carnatic musicians and has won several awards including the Sir Henry Cowell Award from Music Academy, Chennai. Sri. Mali accompanied Veena Virtuoso Dr. S. Balachandar during his tour to Mauritius islands in 1989. He toured with Smt. Ranganayaki Rajagopalan during her France tour in 1991. In Spring 1998 he accompanied Sri Trichur Ramachandran during his U.S tour. Mali has also completed his graduate studies in Mathematics.