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
Friday, Jun. 5, 2026, 8:00 p.m.
Walker|West Music Academy
650 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55104

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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.