LearnQuest Academy’s 17th Annual Music Festival Returns to MIT and Regis College
Get ready for a weekend of soul-stirring melodies and rhythmic brilliance! The LearnQuest Academy of Music is all set to present its 17th Annual Indian Classical Music Festival, beginning Friday, April 18, 2025, at MIT’s Wong Auditorium in Cambridge, and continuing on Saturday and Sunday (April 19–20) at Regis College in Weston.
This much-loved festival is a highlight of the cultural calendar in New England, drawing music lovers, legendary artists, and curious newcomers alike. It’s a celebration of both Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) music traditions, offering a rare chance to experience India’s rich musical heritage in one place.
A Powerful Opening Night
The festival opens with a burst of rhythm on Friday evening—a tabla showcase you won’t want to miss. Three top percussionists will share the stage:
- Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, a true tabla legend known for his finesse and depth
- Anubrata Chatterjee, his son and a rising global star of Indian rhythm
- Patri Satish Kumar, a master of the mridangam, the key drum of Carnatic music
Together, they’ll set the tone for a weekend full of energy, tradition, and musical magic.
A Festival with Heart and History
Hosted by the Waltham-based LearnQuest Academy of Music, this festival has become one of the premier Indian classical music events in North America. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for bringing together great maestros, talented young artists, and passionate fans.
This year’s lineup includes a “who’s who” of Indian classical music—from world-famous legends to up-and-coming stars.
Featured Artists You’ll See
Here’s a look at some of the big names taking the stage this year:
Hindustani Artists (North Indian Classical Music):
- Ustad Amjad Ali Khan – Legendary sarod player, performing with his sons Amaan Ali and Ayaan Ali Bangash
- Ustad Nishat Khan – A sitar maestro known for his global performances
- Pandit Anindo Chatterjee – Iconic tabla artist
- Rachana Bodas and Supriyo Dutta – Rising vocal talents
- Pt. Ravindra Katoti – Celebrated harmonium soloist
Carnatic Artists (South Indian Classical Music):
- Ranjani-Gayatri – Famous vocal sisters known for their emotive singing
- Saketharaman – A rising Carnatic vocal star
- Akkarai Sisters – Subhalakshmi and Sornalatha on violin
- Patri Satish Kumar – Mridangam genius
- Sankari Krishnan and Sanjay Subramanian – Renowned vocalists
- Fusion Saxophone Trio – A unique mix of Indian and Western sounds by Phil Scarff, Shishir Kumar, and Priyank Krishna
Saturday, April 19 – A Day of Resonance and Rhythm
Saturday’s concerts will be held at Regis College Auditorium in Weston and will showcase a beautiful mix of Hindustani and Carnatic traditions:
- Saketharaman will deliver an expressive Carnatic vocal performance, joined by a talented team on violin, mridangam, and ghatam.
- Pt. Ravindra Katoti, on harmonium, teams up with Sumit Naik on tabla for a melodic Hindustani session.
- Sankari Krishnan will bring her deep and powerful Carnatic vocals to the stage.
- Supriyo Dutta, a Hindustani vocalist known for his devotion and grace, will perform with sarangi and tabla accompaniment.
- The Akkarai Sisters will showcase their magic on the violin, supported by K.U. Jaichandra Rao on mridangam.
- The night ends with a spectacular performance by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons. Accompanied by Amit Kavthekar and Anubrata Chatterjee on tabla, this grand finale promises to be unforgettable.
Sunday, April 20 – A Day of Fusion and Finesse
Sunday brings more musical delights to Regis College, including cross-cultural blends and masterful solos:
- 11:00 AM – Saxophone Trio
- A one-of-a-kind performance blending Indian ragas with jazz and global sounds by Phil Scarff, Shishir Kumar, and Priyank Krishna, supported by tabla and mridangam.
- 1:00 PM – Rachana Bodas
- A gifted Hindustani vocalist, joined by Nitin Mitta on tabla and Sangeet Mishra on sarangi.
- 3:00 PM – Sanjay Subramanian
- A Carnatic vocal expert, performing with Praveen Sitaram on mridangam and Pranav Swaroop on violin.
- 4:45 PM – Nishat Khan & Anindo Chatterjee
- An epic duo performance featuring sitar and tabla, rich in improvisation and depth.
- Closing Concert – Ranjani-Gayatri
- The festival wraps up with a moving concert by the beloved vocal duo, celebrating the unity and beauty of Indian classical music.
LearnQuest Academy’s 17th Annual Music Festival: Come Be a Part of It
Whether you’re a seasoned rasika (music lover) or someone new to Indian classical music, this festival is a perfect chance to explore its magic. From soulful vocals to thrilling rhythms, each performance promises to transport you to another world.
🎟️ Tickets are available at www.learnquest.org.Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic live!
Anuradha Palakurthi: A Truly Talented Singer
Meet Anuradha Palakurthi, a singer loved by music fans around the world. She has an incredible voice and can sing in many different styles. She’s performed in both India and the U.S., and has even shared the stage with big names like Kumar Sanu, Bappi Lahiri, Hariharan, and Mika Singh.
Anuradha made history by being the first U.S.-based artist to win Radio Mirchi’s Best Independent Song award. She also appeared on the popular, award-winning show Times of Music and has sung for South Indian films. Her collaborations include working with Hariharan and Grammy-winning artists from across the globe.
One of her standout performances was a tribute to R.D. Burman at the Berklee Performance Center, which wowed the crowd. And her album Jaan Meri, composed by Ustad Nishat Khan from the famous Imdadkhani Gharana, even won awards.
April is Full of Fun—and Music!
This April is packed with amazing events, and here’s one that music lovers won’t want to miss! Jay-Ho! presents a magical evening with the legendary Ghulam Ali, the voice behind some of the most soul-stirring ghazals of all time.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 27, 2025, and head to the Collins Center for Performing Arts in Andover, MA for a night of timeless melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and pure musical magic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to ghazals, this is the perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled month.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now at jay-ho.com.
