WESTON, MA — The LearnQuest Academy of Music celebrated a milestone as its 17th Annual Music Festival, held April 19–20 at the Regis College Auditorium in Weston, MA, attracted the largest audience in the festival’s history.
“This was the most attended festival ever,” said Anish Khanzode, Chair of the 17th Annual Music Festival. “We feel that music lovers are truly connecting with our vision of presenting Hindustani and Carnatic classical music side by side. The response has been overwhelming.”
The festival, a beloved fixture in New England’s cultural calendar, showcased a rich tapestry of Indian classical music traditions, bridging the north and south of India with a thoughtfully curated lineup of both legends and rising stars.
With a seating capacity of approximately 600, the Regis College Auditorium was nearly filled to capacity during key performances, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity and the community’s deepening appreciation for Indian classical music.
A Stellar Lineup of Icons and Innovators
This year’s Hindustani classical segment featured a powerhouse roster, including:
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Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the legendary sarod maestro, accompanied by his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash
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Ustad Nishat Khan, a sitar virtuoso from the Imdadkhani gharana
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Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, one of India’s most respected tabla artists
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Vocalists Rachana Bodas and Supriyo Dutta
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Pt. Ravindra Katoti, renowned for his solo harmonium artistry
The Carnatic lineup was equally formidable, with standout performances by:
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The dynamic vocal duo Ranjani-Gayatri
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Acclaimed vocalist Saketharaman
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The talented Akkarai Sisters on violin
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Patri Satish Kumar, a leading mridangam maestro
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Sankari Krishnan, noted for her rich vocal style
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Sanjay Subramanian, a senior vocalist known for his innovation and depth
A unique addition to this year’s festival was a saxophone trio featuring Priyank Krishna, Shishir Kumar, and Phil Scarff, blending traditional ragas with a contemporary instrumental twist.
A Grand Beginning and a Powerful Finish
The festival opened with a special event at the MIT Wong Auditorium in Cambridge, MA, setting an academic and artistic tone before moving to the Regis College Auditorium for two full days of performances.
For nearly two decades, the LearnQuest Music Festival has provided a platform for the confluence of tradition, innovation, and community. Organized by the LearnQuest Academy of Music based in Waltham, MA, the event continues to nurture a growing audience of Indian classical music enthusiasts across generations.
With this year’s record attendance and exceptional programming, the 17th edition has set a new benchmark—solidifying LearnQuest’s place as one of North America’s premier Indian classical music festivals.
