Adrian Portia

Adrian Portia

 Adrian J Portia is a professional Handpan Player/Drummer/Percussionist based in Melbourne. He started playing the drums at 10 and touring the country in his father's band at 12 years of age. During his early years he gained a lot of experience which helped him become the musician he is today.

 At the age of 19 Adrian was runner up in ‘Australia's Best Up And Coming Drummer Competition’, which led him to endorsement with Premier, Sabian and Vater.

Adrian enjoys experimenting with different hand percussion and is continuing to explore world percussion instruments. His desire to play the handpan began when he first saw the original “Hang” in 2008, although it wasn’t until August 2013 that he received his first handpan. In this short time Adrian has been recognised internationally as one of the leading players and educators on the instrument and has been travelling all over the world performing and teaching. He is widely known for his speed, control and command over the instrument and has been given the nickname "The Hummingbird”. Adrian’s debut album “Life In Colour” was released in August 2015.

 Recent collaborations include famous Indian flautist, Ranu Majumdar; pianist, composer and Bollywood producer, Santosh Mulekar; film score producer, Adam Hochstatter and world-renowned bass player, Janek Gwizdala.

 Having his own unique, versatile, percussive and melodic style, Adrian is dedicated to continue to develop in the craft of playing this amazing new instrument.

 Adrian will make his debut performance at this year’s AUDW at 2:00pm on Saturday 25^th August.