MEET THE CON BRIO 2024 SEMIFINALISTS
VOICE SEMIFINALISTS
ANANDITAA KRISHNAN
A versatile singer-songwriter with an eclectic musical taste completed her 12th standard CBSE, majoring in Fine Arts with a focus on Carnatic Voice. Anandita furthered her musical education at the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, studying jazz foundations, and continued her training at KM Music Conservatory in Western Classical Music. Here, she received training in Western Classical Voice Performance, Hindustani Vocal Performance, and Western Classical Piano. Currently, Anandita is undergoing extensive training in Western Classical Voice (since 2019) and Carnatic Voice (since 2006) whilst exploring writing and composing her original music. She also holds a certificate in Music Business Foundations from Berklee Online. Anandita has performed both western and Indian music at various venues such as Hyatt Regency Chennai, The Raintree Chennai, and Taj Hotels, among others. She lent her voice for the recent Hamam ad and performed at the Ponniyin Selvan 2 Audio Launch in March 2023 as part of the choir. Additionally, she represented Kalakshetra Foundation at the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2021, celebrating India's 75th Independence Day in the presence of Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi.
ANTARA CHOUDHURY
Antara Choudhury is a Western Classical and Indian Semi-Classical Vocalist, singer and composer. She started singing at the tender age of 3 and has performed at various shows locally and internationally. Born and brought up in Shillong, Meghalya, she completed her education in Media Studies and graduated with a Music degree. She has performed at various reality TV shows and recently performed as a Western Classical Vocalist in Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.
BENSON CHACKO
Benson Chacko is a singer/songwriter, music producer and a full-time performing Artist. A multi-lingual performer who sings in various languages such as Italian, Spanish, German, French, Hindi, Arabic and many more, Benson loves to explore different songs and cultures of the World through Music & Arts. In addition to singing across different genres of music, Benson is also a theatre Actor from Adhishakti Laboratory for theatre Art Research, Tamil Nadu. Benson is a voice student from the Bangalore conservatory School of Music, having received his initial vocal training by Singer & Vocal Coach Ken Henson and glass shattering Vocal Coach, Jaime Vendera, both who are from the United States of America. Benson is also a student and a music collaborator with The Grammy Award winning Indo-Flamenco Guitarist Santhosh Chandran who hails from God’s own country, Kerala. Benson Chacko is currently being coached by The Bangalore Men’s Choir Conductor, Jonas Olsson. Having released several of his self- produced and self-written songs in the past, Benson continues to write and compose his own Music and is currently working on his 5 track EP which will be released in the near future.
CHERYL BAINS
Cheryl Bains is an operatically trained Soprano and a classical-crossover artist. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, New York, Cheryl has made numerous appearances in recitals and concerts with Orchestras in New York, Italy and especially Singapore, where she was raised. Audiences have received her well in works such as Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Rutter’s Mass of The Children and roles such as Gretel in Hänsel and Gretel, Zerlina in Don Giovanni and Maria in The Sound of Music. Most recently in India, Cheryl has appeared in recitals with the acclaimed The Neemrana Music Foundation in New Delhi, collaborating with world-acclaimed artists and coaches such as Mathis Calzetta, Arnaud Kientz, Clémence Chabrand and Vanessa Garcia. Cheryl has also collaborated with Ravi Pawar, the Symphony King of India; releasing an album titled Ravi Raga, which explores a unique confluence of Hindustani and Western Classical music. Cheryl is presently based in Los Angeles on an Artist Visa, and goes between L.A, Singapore and India.
FLOYD STANLEY FERNANDES
Floyd Stanley Fernandes is currently a part of the “Cantabile” School of Music, training under Ms Ferieda Havewala. He is an Orthodontist by profession but music has always been his first love. He has been a part of various recitals, and stage performances - as well as of Pune's prestigious Bel Canto choir.
MEERA ARORA
Meera Arora is a Western Classical Singer and Music Educator from New Delhi. She recently completed her Postgraduate studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance under the tutelage of Sophie Grimmer and Panaretos Kyriatzidis. Her Opera roles at Trinity Laban, include Anne Truelove from Stravinky’s The Rake's Progress, Erste Dame from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Chorus (Soprano) in Errolyn Wallen's opera Dido's Ghost, and Idele in Phantom of the Soap Opera - A Musical Dramedy with the Lyric Ensemble of Delhi. Her other recent performances include a vocal recital at All Saints Church (Milton Keynes) and Queen Elizabeth Children’s Hospital (Woolwich), Soprano I chorus of The Opera Maker’s The March of Progress at Holy Sepulchre Church (Holburn). She was also part of the Swedish song project led by Lars Fischer and The Lost Women Project by Yaashvi Kedia. She was a finalist in the Olga Jules' Young Musician of the Year Award in 2022.
SANCIA CZECILIA DIVINA P.
Sancia Czecilia Divina is a 19-year-old doing Final year in Bachelor of Music in Vels University, Chennai. Passionate musician, she is a versatile and trained western classical vocalist, who plays a host of musical instruments as well. In fact, she has already cleared 35 exams from Trinity College of Music London and Rock School in voice, theory of music, guitar, ukulele, keyboard, piano ,violin and drums with merits and distinction. Sancia Czecilia Divina has completed LTCL and ATCL with distinction in western vocals and Grade 8 in Theory of Music under Mr. Augustine Paul. She is a Grade 8 drummer under the tutelage of Mr. Dinesh of Galilee Academy. She is a soprano soloist in the Madras Musical Association choir and a violinist in the MMA symphony orchestra. Sancia is a part of the Chromatics, an ensemble specializing in opera arias and art songs, helmed by Augustine Paul. She is at present pursuing her FTCL in voice and AMus in Theory of Music and History of Music with Mr. Karl Lutchmayer and s currently a student of Mrs. Patricia Rozario and has been working with her in London, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. She has also won the title “Conbrio Hall of Fame 2023-First Runner up” in voice. A disciplined and meticulous youngster, Sancia enjoys playing the violin besides singing.
SIDDHANTH SHETTY
Beginning with being a frontman of a classical rock cover band, at the age of 20 Siddhanth took fancy to Western Classical singing. Over the years, he has sung as a choral member in Haydn's opera 'La Fedelta Premiata' and Jose Serano's zarzuela 'The Syndicate of Seducers' at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai. He has also sung with a few choirs like Living Voices where we perfomed opera chorus' at NCPA's 50th Anniversary and with Kokomo choir as a tenor soloist singing Ariel Ramires' Misa Criolla at the Kala Ghoda Festival. He has an Art background and has worked in the public art space and in set design for films. He is currently learning sculpture in Shantiniketan, West Bengal.
VIOLIN/VIOLA SEMIFINALISTS
ANTARA BAPAT
Antara is 17 years old violin student from Pune. She is learning violin with Mrs Rama Chobhe at The Suzuki School of Violin, Pune since she was 4. She scored distinction in Grade 8 Violin performance examination conducted by ABRSM. She was selected by INYOC to perform with the Vienna University Philharmonic Orchestra at Vienna, Lucknow and Delhi in 2023. Antara also performed at the International Suzuki Gala which was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2023. Antara was a finalist at ConBrio 2023 Violin competition and was awarded seconds prize at The Great Composers 'The Best Tchaikovsky Performance competition' held in April 2024. She has performed with 'The Bangalore City Chamber Orchestra' (BCCO) at Bangalore and Goa in February 2024.
ANTHEA LUNA MARIE MASCARENHAS E. DIAS
Anthea started learning the violin at the age of 6 with Mr Winston Colaco. She passed her Grade 8 at 9 years, ATCL diploma at 11 years and LTCL at 16 years. Anthea has performed with the India National Youth Orchestra and Chorus, Bangalore City Chamber Orchestra, The Goa String Orchestra and the Stuti Choral and String ensemble. Her solo performances include: Stop Gap’s "Young Talent in Concert" held at NCPA, Mumbai and a performance at Gurgaon, Delhi; accompanied on the piano by the world renowned Austrian pianist and conductor Mattheus Fletzburger. She has been the Winner of Progressive Musicians International Violin competition and was invited to perform at the Prestigious and Iconic Carnegie Hall, New York City, USA in 2022. Anthea had been selected by NETWORK 18 which featured her in a Television achiever’s show titled "Byju's Young Genius". Anthea has also won the first prize at the All India Western Classical Violin Competition called "SIFF- Young Artiste". Anthea has attended a large number workshops and masterclasses in USA , Singapore and Germany from well renowned teachers. She has a deep passion for the violin and is keen on studying and gaining more knowledge in the violin.
E. CHRIS HARRIS SAM
Chris Harris Sam is from Tuticorin and 17 years old. He is currently in Grade 11 at school and majoring in computer science. He has been playing violin since his 2nd grade. He has had a great passion for this instrument since the day he saw it. Playing the violin has taught him dedication, patience, concentration and hard work. Other than violin he enjoys playing football and to stay healthy and fit.
IRAVATI DHEERESH JOSHI
Iravati Joshi, born in Pune, India, began learning the violin at the age of 4 under the guidance of Mrs. Rama Chobhe at the Suzuki School of Violin in Pune. She exhibited strong musical abilities. She pursued her passion, taking ABRSM grade exams up to grade 8 and achieving the highest distinctions in all of them. She was selected to perform at ABRSM's prestigious Global High Scorers’ concert held at NCPA in Mumbai. Iravati's musical journey continued as she was chosen by the Indian National Youth Orchestra and Chorus to participate in Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. This performance was conducted by the Vienna University Philharmonic Orchestra and took place at the renowned Vienna Konzerthaus and later in Lucknow and Delhi at the Lotus temple. Iravati performed in an ensemble conducted by Abha Soumitra called “Ripple,” which focused on contemporary and world choral music. She is also the solo violinist in "Wide Angle," a 90-minute theatrical production - currently in its production stage and to be performed in October 2024.
NYRA JAIN
Nyra Jain is currently a student at the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, pursuing a Bachelor of Music with Honours (String Performance – Violin). Nyra’s musical journey began at the age of 5 with violin lessons at the Suzuki Programme. She joined the SOI (Symphony Orchestra of India) Music Academy in 2012 and graduated with their Diploma on completing 11 years of study, in April 2023. Nyra has attended masterclasses with teachers across Berlin, Moscow, Kyiv and London. She has participated in several international online competitions including the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Competition, Switzerland (1st Prize), Oskar Rieding: International Competition for Young Musicians, Slovenia (Silver Award), and many more. In August 2023 she had the privilege of performing as part of the SOI under the baton of Maestro Zubin Mehta and in Nov-Dec 2023, she also joined the SOI on their UK Tour, performing in eight concerts across seven cities. Nyra is due to perform in two concerts of the August ’24 season with Zubin Mehta and the Symphony Orchestra of India and will return to the UK in September to commence her second year of study at the RNCM!
SAHAPADMAVATI MADAN
Sahapadmavati Madan is 15 years old. She started learning the violin at the age of 3 under the tutelage of Mrs Rama Chobhe. Saha performed with the Bombay Chamber Orchestra in January 2024 & with the Banglore City Chamber Orchestra at Banglore and Goa in February 2024. She performed solo at the Royal College of Music in London in 2016 and 2023 and performed at the Suzuki Gala at the Royal Albert hall in 2023. Saha won the American Protege competition in 2020 and was invited to perform solo at the winners recital at Carnegie hall, New York. She has completed her grade 8 ABRSM in 2021. Saha loves the stage and enjoys giving performances. She aspires to be a soloist and through her music, make a difference to the world.
SAMYUKTHA RAJAGOPAL
Samyuktha Rajagopal is adept at playing both Western classical and South Indian classical violin. From the age of 12, she has been performing both styles of music. She finished her three-year diploma in the International Menuhin Music Academy, Switzerland and is currently pursuing her Master's degree at Trinity Laban Conservatory for Music and Dance where her studies were generously supported by the Harrison Frank Family Foundation. She is currently under the tutelage of Lana Trotvsek, a brilliant violinist from Slovenia. She has attended masterclasses with Notable musicians such as Gábor Takács-Nagy, Liviu Prunaru, Jean-Jacques Kantorow, etc and she has performed at prestigious festivals such as Pablo Casals, Bellerive, Pietrasanta festival, etc.
PIANO SEMIFINALISTS
HARSHAL SHUKLA
Harshal Shukla is a trained western-classical pianist, composer, arranger, orchestrator and educator from Ahmedabad currently based in Mumbai. In 2017, he graduated from KM Music Conservatory, Chennai obtaining a Diploma of Higher Education in Music with specialization in piano performance. At KM, he was mentored by pianists Brian Clark, Aron Tringali and Dr. Adam Greig. He has also composed and performed for a contemporary ensemble Hundred Foot Road directed by Dr. James Bunch. Later in 2018, Harshal continued his higher education in La Schola Cantorum, Paris where he was mentored by a respected French composer / pianist Michaël Levinas. In 2019, he was offered artistic residency at the french contemporary ensemble Le Balcon conducted by Fondation Singer-Polignac in Paris. Harshal has also been an orchestral arranger for the Friendship Concert curated by the British Council in Chennai in 2023. He has also been programmer and transcriber for various projects led by Dr. A. R. Rahman’s studio.
HRISHEEK GANESH
Hrisheek Ganesh is a classical pianist and accompanist currently based in Bangalore. He is a graduate from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow in Piano Performance and KM music Conservatory, Chennai and has been trained under Dr Adam Greig and Mr Fali Pavri. He has played in a variety of ensembles like progressive metal bands, chamber ensembles, ROLI Seaboard ensemble, etc. Some of the major projects he has been a part of include Dr. A R Rahman’s Pop-Opera project ‘Sempre Libera’ that performed at the NH7 Weekender in Pune and performing with the ROLI Seaboard ensemble in London. He is currently employed at the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa) where he works as a a piano educator, music programmer and arranger
KASHVI AGGARWAL
Kashvi's musical journey as a pianist began at a remarkably young age. She was introduced to Western classical music at the age of six and made rapid progress through the Trinity grades, completing Grade 8 Trinity College London with distinction at the age of 10. In 2022, she earned the Associate of Trinity College London (ATCL) with distinction. Continuing to challenge herself with advanced classical compositions, she achieved the Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) at the age of 13, in 2023. Kashvi fondly recalls an impromptu performance of her favorite jazz piece, "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck, with the Western band MND FLO during their concert in Hyderabad in 2019. She has also been an active participant in local music festivals in Hyderabad, including World Music Day, for several years.
NIPUN MALHOTRA
Nipun Malhotra (b. 1993) is a pianist from India who spent his early years playing Hindustani Classical Music on Harmonium. Having grown up in Delhi, a place then detached from Western Classical Music, it wasn’t until after gaining exposure to piano videos on Youtube in his mid - teenage years, that Nipun noticed a significant affinity to the musical genre. He continued pursuing it as a hobby during his high school and college years and by the time he had obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, his love for piano had grown enough for him to decide pursuing music fulltime. In 2016, Nipun moved to the United States to study with Spencer Myer at The Longy School of Music of Bard College, where he went on to obtain a Master of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Performance. He has since wholly dedicated his years to furthering his development as a pianist, particularly in the areas of performing and teaching. Currently, he’s pursuing doctoral studies in Piano Performance at Stony Brook University under the tutelage of Christina Dahl.
RIJUL CHAKRABORTHY
Rijul Chakraborthy is a Pianist and Teacher based in Chennai. Initially started off with learning Western Classical Piano at the age of 7, he went on to receive the Top Scorer’s Award in the ABRSM Grade 8 exam in 2015 in South Zone. He completed his Diploma of Higher Education in Music at KM Music Conservatory, Chennai, where he received the Overall Best Achiever Award twice. Rijul is also a composer and a producer. He has released a handful of his own compositions, worked on two short films and has collaborated with other producers as well. Apart from music, he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English literature, and loves to read detective books in his pastime.
TANYA KRITI DANIEL
Tanya is currently a student in grade 11 at Greenwood High International School, Bangalore, India. Born into a family of musicians, she showed great interest in music even at a very young age. She started learning the piano from Serena Anthony Music Academy when she was four years old and since then she has been performing in several recitals/concerts in India and in the US. She is currently taking piano lessons from Irina Prilipko Morgan (Founder and President of San Jose International Piano Competition, California). When she was eight years old she participated in the Kawai Junior Competition held in Bangalore, India, and won prizes in the top ten category. She also participated in the SF International Innovative Music Competition and won first place in 2020. She then participated in the US International Open Music Competition and won second place in 2022. She also secured second place in the American protege piano competition in January 2023 and performed at the Carnegie, Weill Recital Hall, New York in December 2023. She attended the Juilliard Summer Performing Arts program twice, once in Geneva, Switzerland in 2019 and once in Orlando, Florida in 2022, and had a great opportunity to learn from world-class musicians and to perform with musicians from several different countries.