Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, flute
Chaurasia is an internationally renowned exponent of the bansuri, or bamboo flute. By age 15, he was studying classical vocal music, but changed his focus to the flute after hearing a recital by Pandit Bholanath. He has become one of India’s most respected classical musicians, earning several prestigious awards like the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, the Padma Vibhushan and the National Eminence.
Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan, sarod
Still in their 30s, these brothers are considered two of the finest sarod players today. Disciples of their father Amjad Ali Khan, they represent the seventh generation of a musical lineage known as the Senia Bangash School. Amaan and Ayaan have been performing with their father since the early 1980s. The trio’s album Moksha was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005, and the brothers’ 2006 album Truth received a letter of appreciation from the Indian president. Their list of accomplishments also includes performing at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center in the US.
Kaushiki Chakrabarty, vocalist
Daughter of vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty (who played at the festival on Thursday), Kaushiki was initiated into vocal music by her mother Chandana Chakrabarty, but was later groomed by her father and guru. Her performances have fetched her many awards including: the Jadu Bhatta Award, the BBC award, the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, and the Mirchi Music Award for best female vocalist and album of the year in 2012.
