HCL Concerts Announces Winners of Carnatic Quest Junior (2024)

• Top three ranks were announced for each category, i.e. Vocal, Veena, Violin, Flute and Percussion
• The 1^st place winners received a trophy, certificate and cash prize, while 2^nd and 3^rd rank holders were awarded certificates and cash prizes
• The winners will also have the opportunity to perform on HCL Concerts platforms
• Over 2000 artists aged 12 to 18, from over 100 cities in India, participated in the contest

Chennai, 6 February 2025: HCL Concerts, a platform dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and supporting the next generation of talent in the Indian classical performing arts space, announced the winners of the Carnatic Quest Junior, organized in partnership with Chennai-based Rhapsody Music Foundation. Fifteen extraordinary artists, three each from Vocal, Violin, Flute, Veena and Percussion categories, were crowned as India’s finest young Carnatic musicians by distinguished jury members, which included Shri Sikkil Gurucharan, Smt. Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Shri Shashank Subramanyam, Smt. Jayanthi Kumaresh, Shri K.V. Prasad and Dr. Sumithra Vasudev.

Carnatic Quest is a one-of-a-kind Indian music contest, specifically designed to recognize and empower exceptionally talented Carnatic musicians. The contest is organized for two age groups, Senior (19-25) and Junior (12-18). The winners of Carnatic Quest Junior (2024) were chosen after three rigorous rounds of evaluation held over two months. The winners were awarded numerous prizes and will have the unique opportunity to perform and showcase their artistry on the renowned HCL Concerts platform.

Winners of the HCL Concerts Carnatic Quest – Junior (2024) are:

Vocal

1. G. Shreekiran Josyer – Bangalore
2. Srithika Srinivasan – Chennai
3. V.S. Abirami – Chennai

Flute

1. Medha Udupa – Mangaluru
2. Sushameendra Jamadagni – Bangalore
3. Shreya Bharath – Bangalore

Violin

1. Sivateja Mallajosyula – Chennai
2. R. Srikritii – Chennai
3. Hari Karthik – Delhi

Veena

1. Hiranmayi – Chennai
2. Sangeetha Narayanan – Puducherry
3. Vidhyashree Vijayakannan – Bangalore

Percussion

1. Sairam Kumar – Chennai
2. Pranav S.B. – Bangalore
3. Samarthchandra R. Bharadwaj – Bangalore

Announcing the winners, Anshul Adhikari, Head of HCL Concerts, said, “Carnatic Quest Junior (2024) has been an awe-inspiring journey, uncovering hidden talent and celebrating the rich legacy of Carnatic music. The dedication and passion exhibited by these young participants have left an indelible impression on us. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners, who have captivated us with their exceptional artistry. Their journey through Carnatic Quest has illuminated the path for future generations of Carnatic musicians, harmonizing tradition with innovation. Their achievements underscore the timeless appeal of this art form, resonating with audiences worldwide.”

HCL Concerts and Rhapsody Music Foundation launched Carnatic Quest in 2020 for individuals aged 19-30 years. Following its remarkable success, they expanded the initiative with Carnatic Quest Junior, catering to musicians aged 12-18 years. The 2024 edition of this prestigious competition has once again witnessed overwhelming participation from aspiring Carnatic musicians across the country. This platform serves as a virtual musical pilgrimage, drawing Carnatic music enthusiasts while actively fostering and promoting Indian classical music among diverse age groups.