Kanak Baghel Biography:Throughout my twelve-year journey as a violinist, music has certainly been an important part of my life. Elevating my artistry, I transitioned into the Concert Orchestra within the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Currently, I hold the distinction of being at Level 8 in the American String Teachers Association Certificate Advancement Program (ASTA-CAP), a testament to my commitment to mastery and growth. Beyond the confines of the orchestra, I’ve had the privilege of performing for diverse audiences, including retirement homes and shows such as “The Spectacular,” in middle school, and even currently. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also reinforced my belief in the transformative power of music. In my last participation of Charleston Music Competition, I got third place in my age group and category of music. As I continue to pursue my musical aspirations, I remain grateful for the opportunities that have enriched my journey and shaped me into the musician I am today. Ahana Naskar Biography:
Ahana Naskar is a sophomore at Jesuit High School. She has been playing the violin for 9 years and currently studies with Ms. Hong Chou. Ahana is working towards the completion of ASTA certification and will be testing for Level 10 this Spring. She joined the Metropolitan Youth Symphony in 2016 and has served as the principal first violinist and concertmaster. She is playing as a part of the Symphony Orchestra for 2023-24 term. Being a strong advocate for music accessibility, she is serving as a member of Project Prelude, and is teaching elementary students who otherwise may not have an opportunity to learn and play a new instrument. She has also participated at several cultural festivals over the last few years. She has also played as a part of the Aaron Meyer “Rock the holiday” concert series in 2022.
You can find the duet’s 2024 Baroque Music Competition performance here.