A musical odyssey by Kaushiki Chakraborty and Rishith Desikan

DC South Asian Arts Council hosts mother son duo in a show on April 3 in Rockville, Maryland
By Arun Kumar
Noted Indian music vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty and her son Rishith Desikanare are set to take Washington DC metro residents on a musical odyssey on April 3 in a show hosted by DC South Asian Arts Council.
In the world of Hindustani classical music, vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty has not only captivated audiences globally, but also laid the foundation for future generations of musicians. Among those who carry forward her musical lineage is her son, Rishith Desikan, who has already shown immense potential in the world of classical music.
Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, Kaushiki Chakraborty comes from a family steeped in musical tradition. She trained under her father, legendary classical vocalist Ajoy Chakraborty, and other stalwarts of Hindustani classical music, including Ustad Rashid Khan,
Kaushiki’s voice is noted for its warmth and rich texture, with a rare ability to bring out the emotional depth of each raga. Her performances often evoke a deep connection with the audience, transcending the technicalities of the music to deliver an unforgettable experience.
She has performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals and events, including the Dover Lane Music Conference in Kolkata, Saptak Music Festival in Ahmedabad, and the Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior. Her concerts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have been met with acclaim from both Indian and international audiences.
In addition to her live performances, Kaushiki has also released a few albums, further establishing her as one of the foremost voices of contemporary Indian classical music. Some of her notable works include “The Voice” and “Raga Revived.” Her recordings have received praise for their intricate compositions, emotional depth, and technical brilliance.
Kaushiki has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to Indian classical music, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. She is also a recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, which is awarded to exceptional young artists by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Much like his mother, Rishith has shown a deep understanding and respect for the tradition of Hindustani classical music. His renditions have an emotional quality that speaks to the soul, while being respectful to the age-old tradition of Hindustani music.
While Kaushiki’s performances are known for their grandeur and emotional depth, Rishith brings a youthful vigor and innovation to his renditions. Together, they represent the seamless continuity of musical traditions passed down from one generation to the next.
The mother-son duo symbolizes the passing of the torch from one generation to the next in Indian classical music. They are set to perform for greater Washington audiences on April 3, at 7:30 PM at Kreeger Auditorium, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852.
For more information and tickets visit https://www.dcsaaci.org