Centenarian Maestro Stuns Kolkata at 100

Kolkata recently witnessed a remarkable event as Sangeetacharya Amiya Ranjan Bandyopadhyay celebrated his 100th birthday with a concert on February 21, 2026. The Vivekananda Hall at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture was packed with over 1,200 attendees, a testament to the city's respect for its veteran musicians, with an additional 200 listeners turned away. The centenarian vocalist, a doyen of the Bishnupur gharana, commanded the stage with quiet authority, offering music honed over a lifetime.

Despite recovering from a viral fever that had interrupted his practice, Bandyopadhyay performed, adhering to a strict daily schedule that includes riyaaz, teaching, and composing. His son and guru, Pt Shantanu Bandyopadhyay, highlighted his father's relentless curiosity, noting his efforts to learn Hindi at 85 and computers at 90 to stay engaged. He continues to teach approximately 50 students globally, some in person and others remotely.

The concert, accompanied by Pt Samar Saha, was described by attendees as a landmark. Music connoisseur Meena Banerjee noted the emotive and peaceful quality of Bandyopadhyay's music, which mesmerized the diverse audience, including many young enthusiasts. His performance was a rare treat, celebrated as a unique birthday gift to Kolkata, emphasizing his enduring strength and artistry.