About Dr. M.S. Ramanathan

Dr. Maraiyur Ramanathan, a medical practitioner, learnt classical music from a very early age. Growing up in a musical family background, he learnt initially from Smt. Andal Ammal, a disciple of Chitthur Subramanya Pillai and later from teachers like Sri C .V. Krishnamurthy (Principal, Gandharva Gana Nilayam, Chennai), Sri P.N.Raghava Rao, Sri Ramnad Krishnan and maestro Sri KV Narayanaswamy. Dr. Ramanathan was awarded the title of Gayaka Praveena and a Diploma in Music by Egmore School of Music in Chennai. Before performing in Chennai in various Sabhas, Dr. Ramanathan has participated and won many prizes in various music competitions, including the Madras Music Academy in 1963 and 1964. Dr. Ramanathan has also received the blessings of doyen of Carnatic classical music Sri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. He was awarded Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan's award for lifelong service to Classical music last year Dr. Ramanathan has been a regular performer in Melbourne and Sydney & Brisbane. Dr. Ramanathan has scripted, choreographed and directed the musical opera Sundara Kandam, to celebrate SMCs 25th year. The opera featured many of Dr. Ramanathans students and other Sydney music teachers and their students, participating to produce a colourful musical opera in Carnatic music. Dr. Ramanathan also teaches Carnatic music to a number of students.