Jugal-Bandhi Percussion Ensemble 1999 | Zakir Hussain | Vikku Vinayakram | M. Ravichandhira

Ghatam: Padma Shri awardee Vikku Vinayakram
Tabla: Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain
Mridangam: Sri Ravi M. Ravichandhira OAM

On Saturday, 29th May 1999, Australia witnessed a landmark moment in its musical history—a rare and electrifying percussion ensemble featuring three master drummers: Padma Shri Vikku Vinayakram on ghatam, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain on tabla, and Virtuoso Ravi M. Ravichandhira OAM on mridangam.

Held at the iconic Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne, the concert played to a full house of 2,500—a testament to the anticipation and reverence surrounding these legendary musicians. Organised by The Academy of Indian Music Australia (Artistic Director: Ravi M. Ravichandhira OAM), this performance brought together the rhythmic traditions of North and South India in a contemporary and spellbinding dialogue of laya (rhythm), performed live for Australian audiences.

A heartfelt note of gratitude is extended by our father, Sri Ravi M. Ravichandhira OAM, to his revered Guru, Karaikudi R. Mani, whose blessings made this performance possible. Mani sir specially prepared and sent the mridangam from India for this concert—something our father deeply cherishes.

This audio is from personal archives and is graciously shared for public listening by The Academy of Indian Music Australia, as part of the Sai Brothers' efforts to document and preserve the rich legacy of Indian classical music in Australia. It remains a significant milestone in the journey of Indian classical music in Australia—bridging continents, traditions, and generations through the power of percussion.

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