Suyog Kundalkar

Suyog Kundalkar is an established Indian classical harmonium player recognized for his refined accompaniment style and solo artistry. He began learning harmonium at the age of six under Smt. Ranjana Godse and later became a long-term disciple of renowned harmonium exponent and musicologist Dr. Aravind Thatte. Alongside harmonium, Suyog Kundalkar pursued formal training in Hindustani vocal music, strengthening his melodic understanding and responsiveness as an accompanist.

A B-High grade artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, and an empaneled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Suyog Kundalkar holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Lalit Kala Kendra, University of Pune, where he also serves on the faculty panel as a guru.

Suyog Kundalkar is widely regarded as a sought-after accompanist, having supported leading vocalists including GaanSaraswati Kishori Amonkar and Dr. Prabha Atre, among many other senior maestros. His accompaniment is noted for scale-specific tuning, continuity of notes, and an ability to closely mirror the vocalist’s phrasing. He is a regular performer at major festivals such as the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival.

Internationally, Suyog Kundalkar has performed across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand, with notable appearances at the Sydney Opera House and WOMAD Festival. As a soloist, he presents melodically driven recitals and continues to explore forms such as tappa on the harmonium.

Beyond performance, Suyog Kundalkar is also a composer who has created bandishes in both well-known and rare ragas, as well as devotional compositions. His contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi and multiple accompanist awards from respected cultural institutions.

Through performance, teaching, and composition, Suyog Kundalkar continues to work towards strengthening the harmonium’s presence as both a solo and accompanying instrument in Hindustani classical music.