India, 5th November 2024: HCL Concerts, a platform dedicated to promoting Indian classical performing arts, announces the launch of the fourth edition of Carnatic Quest, a prestigious talent hunt for young Carnatic musicians. This year’s competition, in collaboration with Rhapsody Music Foundation, will run from November 5, 2024, inviting talented musicians aged 12 to 18 to showcase their skills in categories spanning vocals, violin, veena, flute, and percussion instruments (including Mridangam, Kanjeera, Ghatam, and others). Carnatic Quest will be conducted over three rounds, including two digital rounds followed by a grand finale in Chennai in January 2025.

The competition promises an exciting journey for participants and an invaluable opportunity to perform for the prestigious HCL Concerts, a platform that nurtures young and meritorious talent, enabling their journey ahead. The contest unfolds in three rounds, beginning with Round 1 from November 5 to November 25, 2024, with results announced on December 5. Round 2 follows from December 5 to December 20, with results on January 3, 2025. The final round will be held in January 2025, in Chennai, where winners will be announced at the event’s conclusion.

Key Contest Details:

• Eligibility: Musicians between the ages of 12 and 18 are eligible to participate.
• Categories: The contest includes five categories – Vocals, Violin, Veena, Flute, and Percussion.

Anshul Adhikari, Head of HCL Concerts shared, “We are happy to launch the fourth edition of Carnatic Quest and are proud to partner once again with Rhapsody Music Foundation. Through this platform, we continue to nurture and spotlight young talent, empowering future Carnatic music maestros, offering young, talented musicians an incredible opportunity to perform, grow, and evolve as professionals. We look forward to witnessing the creativity and dedication these young musicians bring to each round of the competition.”

Prizes and Recognition: A total of eight winners will be chosen, comprising three vocalists, one musician each in violin, veena, and flute, and two in percussion.

Winners will receive cash prizes, trophies, certificates, and a professional portfolio shoot. They will also have the distinguished opportunity to perform for HCL Concerts Digital, furthering their visibility