Aarohi music festival returns with a new generation of classical talent

For over two decades, Aarohi-A Festival of Rising Stars, has quietly built a reputation as one of Mumbai’s most respected platforms for emerging Indian classical musicians. This year, the festival returns for its 24th edition on May 20 and 21 at the Mini Theatre, Ravindra Natya Mandir, bringing together six young artistes poised to carry India’s classical traditions forward. The festival begins at 6 pm on both evenings and is open to all with free entry.Founded in 2002 with the vision of “Catching Them Young,” Aarohi has introduced more than 138 young musicians to Mumbai audiences, not as students, but as serious performers ready for the concert stage. Over the years, the festival has earned the trust of the city’s classical music community for spotlighting artistes at defining moments in their journeys.Six artistes, six distinct musical journeysThe opening evening on May 20 will feature vocalist Chaitanya Parab, whose performances are marked by sincerity and emotional depth. “It is a privilege to present Indian classical music on a stage that has consistently supported and celebrated India’s rich musical heritage,” he says.Also performing is santoor player Divyansh Srivastava, who will present his debut full-length classical santoor recital in Mumbai. A disciple of Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Srivastava represents the Sopori Sufiyana Gharana. “This performance is especially emotional for me, it allows me to present the musical aesthetics and baaj of the Sopori Sufiyana Gharana as a proud disciple of Pandit Bhajan Sopori,” he shares.The evening concludes with vocalist Aadya Mukherjee, a first-generation professional musician. “Indian classical music has become deeply intertwined with my identity and emotions. Being able to pursue it professionally and present it on a platform like Aarohi is incredibly meaningful to me,” she says.Tradition meets youthful expressionThe second evening, on May 21, will open with vocalist Swati Tiwari, trained in both the Gwalior and Banaras gharanas. “I feel deeply grateful for opportunities that allow young artistes to share the essence and purity of our classical music with discerning audiences,” she says.Flautist Samyak Parashari will bring his contemplative approach to the bansuri to the stage. “For me, performing at Aarohi is an opportunity to connect listeners emotionally through the bansuri, and to contribute, in my own way, to keeping our classical traditions alive for younger audiences,” he says. Closing the festival is vocalist Abhed Abhisheki, grandson of the iconic Padma Bhushan Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki and son of Shaunak Abhisheki. “I am deeply honoured to perform at the prestigious Aarohi festival. It is my first time singing in Mumbai on such a grand scale, bringing a mix of nerves and excitement. This is a significant milestone, and I look forward to giving my absolute best performance,” he says.All six artistes will be accompanied by co-artistes Yati Bhagwat, Swapnil Bhise, Rohit Deo, Manoj Solanki, Sudhanshu Gharpure and Dyaneshwar Sonawane.‘The right stage at the right time’What has sustained Aarohi for 24 years is its belief that young musicians flourish not through spectacle, but through meaningful listening and thoughtful platforms. “The vitality of Indian classical music depends on empowering young musicians at the right time. Aarohi was envisioned to fulfil this need — and after more than two decades, its spirit continues to inspire and resonate,” says Shashi Vyas from Pancham Nishad, the curator of the show.