LearnQuest Music Festival Opens with Enthralling Performances, Features Saxophone Trio, and Concludes with Ranjani-Gayatri in Record-Breaking 17th Year

The 17th Annual LearnQuest Music Festival opened with a vibrant evening at the MIT Wong Auditorium in Cambridge, MA, setting a dynamic and inspiring tone for the weekend. The festival then continued at the Regis College Auditorium in Weston, MA, where record-breaking crowds nearly filled the 600-seat venue, making it the most successful year in LearnQuest’s history.

Festival Chair Anish Khanzode expressed his excitement about the overwhelming response, highlighting how audiences increasingly resonate with LearnQuest’s vision of presenting Hindustani and Carnatic classical music traditions side by side on a shared platform.

A Stellar Lineup Across Traditions

The festival featured an extraordinary blend of legendary masters and rising stars, offering audiences a rich, immersive experience of India’s classical music heritage.

Hindustani Classical Highlights:

• Sarod grandmaster Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performed alongside his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, delivering a deeply moving concert that was one of the festival’s centerpieces.
• Sitar virtuoso Ustad Nishat Khan, representing the Imdadkhani gharana, captivated the audience with his intricate artistry.
• Tabla legend Pandit Anindo Chatterjee showcased his rhythmic mastery in a powerful solo.
• Vocalists Rachana Bodas and Supriyo Dutta offered soulful and nuanced performances steeped in tradition.
• Pandit Ravindra Katoti demonstrated the expressive power of the harmonium in a rare solo performance.

Carnatic Classical Highlights:

• Saketharaman delivered a vibrant and emotive vocal performance.
• The Akkarai Sisters impressed with their dazzling violin duets.
• Mridangam maestro Patri Satish Kumar energized the stage with his intricate rhythmic patterns.
• Celebrated vocalist Sankari Krishnan and senior musician Sanjay Subramanian added further depth to the Carnatic lineup with their commanding performances.

A Contemporary Twist: Saxophone Trio

Adding a modern dimension to the festival, the saxophone trio of Priyank Krishna, Shishir Kumar, and Phil Scarff presented an inventive fusion, blending traditional ragas with the soulful sounds of the saxophone. Their refreshing performance was warmly received and showcased LearnQuest’s commitment to innovation within classical traditions.

Grand Finale with Ranjani-Gayatri

The festival concluded with a breathtaking grand finale by the renowned Carnatic vocal duo Ranjani-Gayatri. Their electrifying concert, marked by intricate improvisations and emotional depth, left the audience enthralled and brought the festival to a powerful and memorable close.

A Heartfelt Thanks to the Accompanying Artists

LearnQuest extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the accompanying artists — the outstanding instrumentalists, percussionists, and supporting vocalists — whose artistry and collaboration elevated every performance. Their skill, dedication, and nuanced contributions added richness, vibrancy, and depth to the festival experience.

A Milestone Year for LearnQuest

Organized by the Waltham-based LearnQuest Academy of Music, the festival has, for nearly two decades, stood as a leading force in promoting Indian classical music in North America. The record attendance and outstanding performances this year have further solidified LearnQuest’s reputation as one of the premier Indian classical music festivals outside India.

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