The Egg Presents: Kaushiki Chakraborty

A Musical Odyssey: Mother and Son in Harmony

Kaushiki Chakraborty is a mesmerizing Indian classical vocalist, celebrated for her soul-stirring performances that effortlessly blend tradition with innovation. Daughter of legendary Ajoy Chakraborty and trained in the Patiala gharana, her voice is a powerful yet delicate instrument capable of conveying the deepest emotions. Kaushiki’s artistry transcends genres, moving from khayal to thumri and beyond, leaving audiences spellbound with her technical mastery and emotive expression. She is a beacon in the world of Hindustani classical music, breaking down gender barriers and inspiring a new generation of music lovers.

The Resonance Series presents a unique and heartfelt concert featuring Kaushiki and her talented 13-year-old son, Rishith Desikan. The concert “A Musical Odyssey: Mother and Son in Harmony”, is designed to offer audiences an immersive experience, blending musical virtuosity with personal storytelling. Through a seamless integration of live performances and multimedia elements, the presentation will not only highlight the musical talents of Kaushiki and Rishith but also provide a glimpse into their unique bond, fostering a deeper connection with the audience. A Musical Odyssey: Mother and Son in Harmony features Kaushiki Chakraborty (Vocals), Rishith Desikan (Vocals), Ojas Adhiya (Tabla), Murad Ali (Sarangi), Jyotirmoy Banerjee (Harmonium).

Opening the show are local tabla and sitar artists and mother and son duo Veena and Devesh Chandra.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Kaushiki Chakraborty could reproduce Hindustani classical vocal patterns at the age of two. Maestros visiting the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA), where Kaushiki grew up, soon discovered a new game: they would hurl the most complex of patterns at her, using only the ‘aa’ vowel instead of pronouncing the notes, and wait for her to identify the notes and reproduce the patterns. This is something she could do instantly and consistently. It would not be an overstatement to assert that Kaushiki was a child prodigy. However, unlike many prodigies who flicker but fail to flourish, Kaushiki kept her promise. At 12, she was a scholar at the ITC SRA, at 14, she was on a 50-concert tour in the US with her father and guru Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, at 16, she took the world of music by storm with her first solo concert in Delhi and by her early twenties she was being hailed as the brightest young female vocalist of her generation. Over the last decade, she ha successfully obliterated the gender qualifier. Connoisseurs agree that Kaushiki is, quite simply, the best Hindustani vocalist of her generation today. Read more: Kaushiki Chakraborty – biography.

VEENA CHANDRA is an internationally renowned sitarist, composer, teacher and choreographer. She is the founder and director of the Dance and Music School of India in Latham, NY (celebrating 38 years) where she teaches Indian classical music. She has been a faculty member at Skidmore College since 1990, teaching sitar in the Music Department. Since, 2014 she is also the Artist Associate in Sitar at Williams College (MA). Born in Dehra Doon, the Valley of the Himalaya Mountain Range on November 30th, 1944, Veena was inspired to play music by her Father, her first Guru. He loved sitar so much that he named her Veena, after the precursor instrument to the sitar, in hopes that she would learn music. He was 95 years old when he passed away in 2010 and his hopes have validated themselves many times over as evident by the international acclaim & respect given to Veena Chandra.

DEVESH CHANDRA has been learning the Tabla since the age of 3. He learned Indian Classical Music by accompanying his mother, renowned Sitar exponent Veena Chandra. Devesh, the youngest of six children, grew up immersed in an environment of music. His first spoken words were Dha Dha Tita, syllables of the tabla. Devesh has been impacted greatly with his close relationship with his Mother. Today, their performances as a duo have received national and international acclaim. Devesh is a sought after performer and
educator. Devesh’s innovative and imaginative approach makes his performances enthralling to both Western listeners and Indian classical purists. His approach to the tabla is the confluence of all the unique influences of his upbringing. Devesh believes the tabla has the rare ability, as a percussion instrument, to very accurately convey a wide range of emotions. 

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The Resonance Series

Curated by Arun Ramamurthy, the Resonance Series explores sounds from the South Asian subcontinent and its relationship with musical cultures in the Capital Region and around the world. This series pairs traditional music and dance with contemporary creativity and spirit, and presents groundbreaking artists from a wide spectrum of culture and genre.  

The Resonance Series is funded by the Michele L. Vennard Hospitality Grant Program of the Albany County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Fund (AKA Discover Albany), a fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

The Resonance Series is also funded by the Arts Thrive & Grow Grant Program of the Art Center of the Capital Region. Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State, Kathy Hochul, Governor. We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins for her extraordinary commitment and leadership, and our elected officials who represent our grantmaking region: Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin; Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.