Pandit Jasraj, renowned for his rich sonorous voive and subtle ornamentation of complex passages, has won the popularity of audiences throughout the world. Of particular note is his reintroduction of ancient Sanskrit texts to the singing of khyal, further enriching the content of his art. He is the leading exponent of the Mewati gnarana (school) and performed for many years with his brother, Pandit Moti Ram, on All India Radio and at the court of Maharaj Jaiwant.

Balamurali Krishna's powerful voice is magnetic and vibrant; his musical and artistic talents are legendary. Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1930 to musician parents, he was a child prodigy who, by his fifteenth birthday, was already a popular vocalist and prolific composer. He has enriched the world of South Indian music with the creation of many new ragas and with nearly four hundred classical compositions. He has also been a highly acclaimed music director for films and radio, an actor, and an instrumentalist who plays violin, viola, kanjira, veena and mrdangam. He is the recipient of India's most distinguished awards, including Padma Vlbhushan from the President of India.

Zakir Hussain, son and disciple of the legendary Ustad Allarakha, has established himself as the leading tabla player of his generation. He is the favorite accompanist accompanist for most of India's greatest classical musicians and dancers and has also bean a chief architect of the world music movement with his incomparable collaborations. He has worked with many jazz and rock musicians, including John Mclaughlin and the Grateful Dead, and with leading artists in Carnatic music. His contribution to furthering the dialogue between percussionists of North and South India is without parallel. He has also composed and performed music for various films, including In Custody and Heat and Dust, in which he also starred. In 1988 he became the youngest percussionist to be awarded the distinguished title of Padma Shree by the Indian government.

Vikku Vinayakram is one of the most celebrated percussionists of South India. He has won many awards for his playing of ghatam and his virtuosity at his instruments has won him admiration throughout the world. He first gained international attention in 19(56 when he accompanied M.S. Subbulakshmi on her tour of Europe and the United States. Since then he has toured with many of the greatest names in Carnatic music, among them S. Balachander and Lalgudi Jayaraman. He toured and recorded with John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain and L. Shankar, among others.