A Tribute to Zakir Hussain featuring Yogesh Samsi and Anupama Bhagwat

Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, a longtime friend of CAPA who performed in Columbus on numerous occasions, passed away in December 2024. This special concert honors his memory and celebrates everything he stood for throughout his extraordinary career.

Zakir Hussain brought Indian music to the world stage in a unique and powerful way. He made it his mission to elevate the next generation of Indian virtuosos, introducing global audiences to the richness of India’s musical heritage. Through his own artistry and through mentoring young musicians, he ensured that this tradition would continue to thrive for generations.

This tribute concert will feature two acclaimed artists who were deeply influenced by Zakir’s legacy:

Yogesh Samsi – One of the world’s foremost tabla players and a student alongside Zakir under the guidance of Ustad Allah Rakha. Yogesh will share personal stories of his time with Zakir, as well as musical insights into the rare and traditional tabla repertoire that Zakir championed. A unique soloist and accompanist, Yogesh blends tradition with innovation in both performance and pedagogy.

Anupama Bhagwat – A sitarist of international acclaim, Anupama brings a versatile and deeply expressive style to the stage. Though now based in India, she has roots in Dayton, Ohio. She will share reflections on her meetings with Zakir and how his music shaped her artistic journey. With technical mastery and lyrical sensitivity, her playing is celebrated worldwide for its emotive depth and finesse in the gayaki style.

Together, Yogesh and Anupama will not only perform but also share heartfelt memories of Zakir Hussain — offering the audience an intimate glimpse into the legacy of a musician who transformed the global perception of Indian classical music.