Chaitanya Kunte

Indian traditional song in Marathi language

Dr. Chaitanya Kunte (alias Keshavchaitanya J. Kunte) is a multi-dimensioned personality - a Harmonium player, composer and musicologist. Chaitanya received extensive training in Hindustani Art music, especially for Harmonium under able guidance of Dr. Arawind Thatte. He was fortunate in having guidance of Pt. Mohanrao Karve for vocal music and Dr. Ashok Da. Ranade for musicology.

Dr. Kunte is one of the leading Harmonium players in India having accompanied maestros such as Bhimsen Joshi, Dinkar Kaikini, Balasaheb Puchhawale, Yashwantbuwa Joshi, Ramashray Jha, Chhannulal Mishra, Birju Maharaj, Rajan Sajan Mishra, Ulhas Kashalkar, Rashid Khan, Kishori Amonkar, Vasundhara Komkali, Prabha Atre, Veena Sahasrabuddhe, Ashwini Bhide, Arati Ankalikar, Padma Talwalkar, Shruti Sadolikar and many others. His accompaniment is marked with perfection and accuracy, yet it is aesthetically enriching with a deep understanding of the vocalist’s style and music in totality. A graded artiste for All India Radio, he has accompanied on Harmonium for several commercial cassette recordings.

Besides being a busy and popular Harmonium accompanist, Chaitanya Kunte is taking huge efforts for Solo Harmonium recitals and continuing the mission lead down by his Guru, Dr. Arawind Thatte for establishing concert-status to Harmonium in Hindustani music scenario. Chaitanya has given Solo Harmonium performances in Pune, Thane, Ahmedabad, etc. He was honored with ‘Pt. Govindrao Patwardhan Award for Excellence in Harmonium’ in 2007. He has toured USA (2005, 2012, 2013, 2015), Australia, New Zealand, Singapore (2005, 2008), Dubai (2004), Japan (2016), Israel (2017) for concerts, where he was appreciated for his accompaniment, solo Harmonium playing and lec-dems.