Our Bureau
Houston, TX
The Indo-American Association (IAA) delivered an unforgettable night of music on April 25, as acclaimed artist Hrishi took the stage with “Ragas Reinvented,” a bold and imaginative reimagining of classical Indian ragas. The event, organized and hosted by IAA under the leadership of Executive Director Sheetal Bedi, was met with an enthusiastic reception from the Houston community.
Blending the intricate structures of Carnatic classical music with modern sonic elements, Hrishi transported the audience through a unique musical journey that was both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary. Singing in Tamil, Hindi and English, as well as some of his own compositions, Rishi demonstrated his wide repertoire. His performance offered a fresh interpretation of ragas, weaving together Eastern and Western influences with exceptional artistry.
Hrishi’s voice reverberated as he opened with “ayi giri Nandini” and demonstrated his phenomenal vocal range. His authenticity, confidence and ability to connect with the audience, made the show very special. Hrishi was accompanied by Lorenzo on the guitar and Houston’s very own Abhishek on the violin.
“Hrishi’s work exemplifies how tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully,” said Sheetal Bedi. “At IAA, we are committed to presenting programs that both honor our cultural heritage and inspire new creative expressions. ‘Ragas Reinvented’ was a perfect embodiment of that mission.”
The audience response was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the concert’s emotional depth, technical brilliance, and boundary-pushing creativity. Attendees described the evening as “spellbinding,” “transformative,” and “an exhilarating celebration of musical evolution.”
A heartfelt thank you to Golden Ray Photography by Thiru for masterfully documenting the evening, ensuring the beauty and energy of the performance will be remembered for years to come.
“Ragas Reinvented” marks another milestone in the Indo-American Association’s ongoing commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Houston through world-class artistic programming.
