HCL Concerts presents Carnatic Quest.
Powered by Rhapsody Music Foundation
When live stages fell silent in 2020, HCL Concerts and Rhapsody Music Foundation imagined a new kind of stage — one that transcended geography and kept India’s classical heartbeat alive. Thus began Carnatic Quest, a digital platform to discover and nurture the next generation of Carnatic musicians.
Over four editions, the Quest has grown into one of India’s most respected classical talent programs — with 10,000+ participants and 30+ winners across Vocal, Violin, Veena, Flute, and Percussion categories. Each season brings together prodigious young artists and legendary mentors, creating opportunities to learn, perform, and be celebrated on prestigious HCL Concerts platforms.
At its core, Carnatic Quest blends tradition, talent, and technology — preserving heritage while empowering the artists who will carry it forward.
The journey continues — to discover tomorrow’s maestros, today.
Age Group
- Group 1:
18-24 years
- Group 2:
24-30 years
Categories
- Vocal
- Violin
- Veena
- Flute
- Percussion
(Mridangam/
Kanjira/Ghatam)
Prizes
- Vocal – 3 Winners
- Violin – 1 Winner
- Veena – 1 Winner
- Flute – 1 Winner
- Percussion – 1 Winner
How it works
STEP 1
Submit your Application
- Carnatic Quest 2025 invites entries across five categories: Carnatic Vocal, Veena, Violin, Flute, and Percussion (Mridangam, Ghatam, Kanjira).
- Registrations open on 1st November 2025, and the application form will close on 30th November 2025. Once the deadline passes, no further entries will be accepted.
- Applicants must upload their performance video by providing a valid YouTube link (link must be publicly accessible) in the application form.
STEP 2
Talent Evaluation and Short Listing
- All accepted entries will be evaluated by our talent screening partner, Rhapsody Music Foundation
- The contest team will then reach out only to the shortlisted musicians for details on performance submissions for the next rounds.
- Results of each round will also be announced on the official HCL Concerts Facebook and Instagram pages.
- The competition will progress through three rounds as mentioned below:
- Preliminary Round (online)
- Semi-Final Round (online)
- Grand Finale in Chennai
STEP 3
Awards & Performances
- Winners will be chosen across all categories:
- Vocal – 3 winners
- Percussion (Mridangam, Ghatam, Kanjeera) – 1 winner
- Violin, Veena, Flute – 1 winner each
- The winners will receive cash prizes, trophies, certificates, and a professional portfolio shoot. In addition, they will get the opportunity to perform on the prestigious HCL Concerts Digital stage.
Timelines
ROUND 1
QUALIFIER (Digital)
November 1, 2025
tillNovember 30, 2025
December 14, 2025
ROUND 2
SEMI-FINAL (Digital)
December 15, 2025
tillDecember 31, 2025
January 15, 2026
ROUND 3
Grand Finale (in Chennai)
February (tentatively)
During Grand Finale
Selection Criteria
- All amateur performers are eligible.
- Entries must be strictly based on classical Carnatic music only.
- Participants must belong to one of the two eligible age groups as of 1st November 2025:
- 18 to below 24 years
- Above 24 to 30 years
- Participants should not have performed professionally or hold an All India Radio (AIR) grading.
- A performance video (maximum 3 minutes) must be uploaded as a YouTube link in the application form for Round 1.
Application Process and Rules for Submitting Application
- Fill out the application form below with all the required details. Please ensure the information provided is accurate.
- Evaluation for Round 1 will be based on the performance video submitted through the form.
- To submit your video:
- Record your Carnatic performance (maximum 3 minutes).
- The submission must include both audio and video.
- The YouTube link must be publicly accessible.
- Share the YouTube link in the application form.
- Only one performance clip link can be submitted per participant.
- Entries not meeting the above requirements will not be considered for the contest.
- Submission of an entry does not guarantee eligibility for the competition. Please review the full Application Process carefully.
- The decision regarding shortlisted entries and final winners will rest solely with HCL Concerts, the official talent screening partner (Rhapsody Music Foundation), and the jury.
