Ashwini Gore Deshpande – Indian Vocalist

Ashwini Gore Deshpande began her musical journey at a very young age, performing as a child prodigy and captivating audiences. From those early days, her path has been one of disciplined training, deep devotion, and a growing mastery of the art form.

 

Born into a family of musicians in Belagavi, India, Ashwini began her training under her father, Shri Mukund Gore, in the Gwalior Gharana tradition. She further advanced her studies with Smt. Jayshree Patnekar, a senior disciple of Pt. Gajananbuwa Joshi, and has recently undergone specialized training in Natyasangeet under the guidance of Pt. Anand Bhate. During her student years, she received the Karnataka Sangeet Academy Award and the CCRT Scholarship. She holds a master’s degree in Hindustani Classical Vocal Music (Gold Medalist).

 

Her singing is distinguished by a unique style and voice – her khyal presentation blends the tradition of Gwalior Gharana with improvisational creativity, giving listeners a musical experience that is both distinctive and engaging.

 

In 2009, Ashwini was a finalist on Zee TV Marathi’s SaReGaMaPa, which gave her a national platform and played a significant role in shaping her growth as a performer.

 

Since then, Ashwini has performed at prestigious festivals and venues across India, Europe, and the United States, including the Stockholm Sangeet Conference, Kaladarpan (Austin), BMM Convention (Dallas); Kumar Gandharva Sangeet Samaroh & Arts Circle (Belagavi); Pulotsav, Gandharva Mahavidyalaya (Pune); ICCR, Udaya TV (Bangalore), and the Embassy of India in Finland and Estonia.

 

While rooted in classical tradition, Ashwini is also a versatile vocalist known for her melodious voice, performing semi-classical styles including Natyageet and Abhang, devotional, and light music. Her recent performances in Austin include CBS TV Austin, KUTX Radio, IFA, Sewa International, Chinmaya Mission, Austin Hindu Temple, and many more. Her Natyasangeet program “Natyaswar: Balgandharva te Bakul Pandit” was one of the highlights of the North America program at the BMM Convention in Dallas.

Along with her husband Devendra Deshpande, a singer-songwriter, she also performs light-music programs with her band under the banner “Austin Raga.” Some of their performances include “Bhavagandh” at AMM Ganeshotsav with over 800 attendees, the Diwali program by Shridhar Phadke in Austin, and “Shiv Jayanti” for Maharashtra Majha at the Texas Capitol. She was also the winner of the Arijit Singh contest held in Austin.

 

As an educator, Ashwini is the founder of the Austin Raga School of Music, mentoring students and nurturing the next generation. She cultivates a learning environment that helps students connect deeply with the tradition while exploring their own musical interpretations.

 

Driven by her vision of bringing classical music to wider audiences, Ashwini conducts workshops for students of all ages and diverse backgrounds, She has conducted at the Sibelius Academy and the International School of Music in Finland.

 

Ashwini has collaborated with many artists across continents—Sweden Finland Sangeet (a collaboration with Swedish musicians); “Indian Raga” (with Finnish musicians); “Sacred Earth Stories,” “Musical Bridges Around the World” with Austin Dance India & Sangeet Millennium, Dallas; and many more.