EXCLUSIVE: Dundee pianist returning to Caird Hall for dream headline concert after eight years away
A talented Dundee pianist who grew up performing on the Caird Hall stage is preparing for an emotional homecoming, returning to the iconic venue for her very first headline concert after eight years away!
Abhisri Chaudhuri will take to the Caird Hall stage on Saturday 14 November, bringing her musical journey full circle with a special performance celebrating everything from classical music and jazz to pop, rock and musical theatre.
Having grown up in Dundee before pursuing her musical career in Glasgow and London, Abhisri has since performed internationally, won multiple awards and appeared at prestigious venues including London’s Wigmore Hall.
But despite her achievements, returning to the stage where she first discovered her love of performing is something particularly special.
And this time, rather than performing as a student, she’ll be taking centre stage with a concert entirely of her own creation.
From Dundee school concerts to international stages
Abhisri’s love of music began at a young age, with her first performances taking place in Dundee when she was only four years old.
She attended Invergowrie Primary School before moving to the High School of Dundee, where she met two teachers who would play an important role in shaping her future.
Piano teacher Stephen Armstrong and singing teacher Susan Colgan encouraged her musical ambitions, helping inspire her dream of becoming a professional performer.
Throughout her school years, Abhisri regularly performed at the Caird Hall during winter and spring concerts and annual prize-giving ceremonies.
For her, the venue became much more than somewhere to perform.
It was the stage she grew up on.
After leaving Dundee, Abhisri studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow before completing a master’s degree at the Royal College of Music in London.
She is now a full-time professional musician based in London, with a career that has taken her to stages across the UK and internationally.
Her achievements include performances in Italy and France, some of which have been broadcast on television, alongside appearances at world-renowned venues including Wigmore Hall.
Reflecting on her journey, Abhisri told Dundee Culture:
“If you’d told little me from Dundee that this would be what my life looked like, she’d be very chuffed!”
An emotional homecoming eight years in the making
It has been eight years since Abhisri last performed in Dundee, making her upcoming Caird Hall concert an especially meaningful occasion.
After years of studying, developing her skills and establishing herself professionally, she is now preparing to present a programme that reflects her own musical identity.
And the opportunity to do so in her hometown makes the occasion even more personal.
Abhisri explained:
“It is the stage I grew up on.”
She continued:
“After years of studying the craft, which proved to be extremely challenging at times, it is my dream to have the opportunity to put together a programme that is completely my own. And to do it on the stage that I have stood on more times than any other, is very emotional for me.”
For Abhisri, the concert is also an opportunity to perform once again in front of the family, friends and teachers who have supported her throughout her journey.
Living in London and performing abroad means her parents are not always able to attend her concerts, making this homecoming particularly important.
She said:
“Performing in front of your home crowd is a unique feeling.”
And with years of experience now behind her, Abhisri is looking forward to showing the people who encouraged her musical ambitions just how far she has come.
A musical celebration with something for everyone
Titled An Evening with Abhisri Chaudhuri, the concert promises a musical experience that brings together a wide variety of genres and influences.
Rather than following the traditional format of a classical recital, Abhisri has created a programme that combines virtuosic piano performance with jazz, pop, rock, folk and musical theatre.
Audiences can expect her own arrangements of music associated with artists including Norah Jones, Nina Simone, Billy Joel, Eva Cassidy and Bill Withers.
The programme will also explore unexpected musical combinations, bringing classical composers such as Debussy and Rachmaninov together with influences from popular theatre productions including Cabaret and Wicked.
It’s an opportunity for Abhisri to showcase the different musical styles that have shaped her career, while creating a performance designed to appeal to audiences with a wide range of tastes.
Special guests celebrate Dundee’s musical talent
The concert will also feature several special guests with personal connections to Abhisri’s musical journey.
Among them is Stephen Armstrong, the piano teacher who helped inspire her ambitions while she was growing up in Dundee.
He will be joined by Avril Evans and Nieve Knox, another young performer whose connection to Abhisri makes the evening particularly meaningful.
Nieve was the first student Abhisri ever taught.
When their lessons began eight years ago, Abhisri was just 18 and Nieve was eight years old.
Now, Nieve has begun studying musical theatre at the Dance School of Scotland, pursuing her own ambitions of becoming a professional performer.
Abhisri is delighted to welcome her former pupil onto the Caird Hall stage.
The concert will therefore be more than a celebration of Abhisri’s achievements, bringing together different generations of musical talent with connections to Dundee.
And she hopes the occasion will inspire other young performers across the city to pursue their own creative ambitions.
Supporting the next generation of Dundee musicians
Having experienced firsthand the difference that music education and encouragement can make, Abhisri is passionate about helping others discover their own musical potential.
She believes everyone should have the opportunity to learn, create and express themselves through music.
To encourage more local performers to attend, she is offering discounted tickets to musicians in Dundee, including those involved in theatre groups, orchestras and choirs.
Those interested in the offer are encouraged to contact Abhisri directly for further information.
The concert is being sponsored by John Clark Motor Group, whose support has helped make the event possible.
Abhisri has also partnered with Dundee restaurant Don Padrino to offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy dinner before the show.
Located a short walk from Caird Hall, the steak and seafood restaurant is offering a meal discount using the code abhisri, giving concertgoers the chance to enjoy a complete evening out in Dundee.
How to get tickets for Abhisri’s Caird Hall concert
An Evening with Abhisri Chaudhuri takes place at Caird Hall on Saturday 14 November 2026, beginning at 7pm.
Tickets are available through Dundee City Box Office, with standard prices ranging from £28 to £43, including booking fees. Additional transaction fees may apply.
The event carries an age recommendation of 14 and over.
For Abhisri, the evening represents the culmination of years of hard work, determination and the support of those who helped her follow her dreams.
And as she prepares to return to the stage where her musical journey began, she hopes Dundee will come together to celebrate not only her achievements but also the city’s wider musical talent.
From a young school pupil performing at the Caird Hall to an internationally experienced professional musician returning for her first headline show, it’s a remarkable full-circle moment for Abhisri Chaudhuri.
Tickets for An Evening with Abhisri Chaudhuri are available through Dundee City Box Office here: https://www.dundeebox.co.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=AE19427C-0875-46A4-BE91-D4664EBAF6F4
