LearnQuest’s 17th Annual Indian Classical Music festival: The best part of April.

Posted onAuthorKavita ChhibberLeave a comment

By Kavita A Chhibber

The best part of April has been the 17th LearnQuest Music Festival.

The three day event was special – not just because my most favorite Khans graced the stage. Sarod Legend Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Bangash and I go back four decades. And they, along with Subhalakshmi Khan, are class, grace, dignity and loving kindness. Always.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Sahib takes the stage.
Khan Sahib’s memory is phenomenal. He remembered so many things, about me from years ago, it is mind boggling. Lighting was awful. But memories don’t care about that!
I’ve known Amaan since he was a toddler. And he is always fun. Anubrata is equal fun.
Animated discussion going on about a rare composition Amjad Ali Khan Sahib played that night.
Two masters in concert at Learnquest. Pandit Anindo Chatterjee and Ustad Nishat Khan.

Pandit Anindo Chatterjee and I reconnected after ages and Ajit and I could see his genius live on stage. I was able to spend some time with his beautiful wife and his son, the talented Anubrata Chatterjee.

But it was one space where all of us, from diverse backgrounds, different opinions, came together to see world class musicians and bask in the positive energy that only music can bring.

Sangeet Mishra (Sarangi)
Anubrata Chatterjee (Tabla)
Patri Satish Kumar (Mridangam)
Pt. Anindo Chatterjee (Tabla)

No criticism, no complaints, only words like “Kya Baat!”, “Wah!”, “Incredible, magnificent!” were emanating from everyone’s lips.

There was genuine admiration and mutual respect between the artists we saw perform. We could not see everyone perform due to other commitments. Our loss.

We entered with a smile, we left with a smile.

That’s the kind of world I wish we continue to live in 24/7.

The lighting was not conducive where we were taking pictures. But happy memories don’t care about that!

Rag Kirwani, by the Legend #UstadAmjadAliKhan,, his brilliant sons #AmaanAliBangaash and #Ayaanbangash #anubratachatterjee and Amit Kavthekar brought the full house, down. I went to interview Khan Sahib for the first time as a teenager. Amaan was maybe 2 and a half and Ayaan an infant. Whether we meet or not, talk or not, the loving kindness they always extend is imprinted in my heart. Really missed Subhalakshmi Khan today. She is truly the wind beneath their wings. It was a special evening in more ways than one.
Mesmerizing percussion music at the LearnQuest music festival at MIT.
A tribute to #UstadZakirHussain, by Pt #anindochatterjee ,#AnubrataChatterjee #PatriSatishKumar, and #Sangeetmishra

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