Kavyesh Kaviraj & Walker|West Music Academy
Kavyesh Kaviraj is a composer, arranger, classically trained jazz pianist based in the Twin Cities. For his Recomposing America project, ACF has commissioned a new work for jazz ensemble, developed and performed in partnership with Walker|West Music Academy. The goal of the collaboration is to highlight the unique history of jazz within American culture and the global context of improvised musics.
About the Commission
Sanctuary explores the full spectrum of the immigrant experience — hope and prosperity, wonder and fascination, struggle and strife. Written from the perspective of a first-generation immigrant, it draws enduring inspiration from the journey of Kavyesh’s parents, who immigrated to Oman.
Sanctuary: World Premiere
Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Walker|West Music Academy
650 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
Kavyesh on “Sanctuary”
Kavyesh Kaviraj Wears His Influences on His Sleeve – And Reminds Us of Our Common Humanity
“This is 10 years that I’ve been in America. Almost every immigrant has commonalities in their story, of how they come to be, find sanctuary, find safety, have anguish, have great struggle, have really trying times, but also sacrifice. And one will find that these are common struggles to all human beings. And it’s not just that we’re different because we moved. We’re all still made of the same fabric of humanity.”
About Kavyesh
Pianist, composer, and arranger Kavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music, carefully weaving all of his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. Taking influences from his birthplace of Oman, his rich Indian heritage, and the place he now calls home, the St. Paul virtuoso utilizes his astounding ability to craft compelling musical narratives. For the past seven years, Kavyesh has channelled his most transformative experiences and lessons from his heart to the piano, through the language of jazz. His first original album Fables, released in July 2024, is a vivid journey through his lens, accompanied by the Twin Cities’ finest musicians.
About Walker|West Music Academy
Walker|West Music Academy, located in Saint Paul, MN, is a music learning community rooted in African American culture where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to explore, perform, and grow through music. Thought to be the oldest community music school in the nation founded by African American musicians, Walker|West offers affordable, accessible, high-quality instruction in all genres of music including classical, with a special emphasis on jazz, gospel, and improvisational music. More than just a school, they are a caring community where professional musicians inspire a lifelong love of music.
This program was supported by a grant from Jerome Foundation.