How this 9-year-old Mumbai Mozart is winning hearts from Vienna to New York

A nine-year-old boy from Mumbai, Ayaan Deshpande, has left audiences in awe as he embarks on a series of concerts in Vienna. Some of the concerts will be held in historic halls where iconic composers of Western classical music, Brahms, Bruckner and Mahler, had performed. The young pianist's talents extend beyond his tender age; he is not only a skilled concert pianist but also a talented composer like music genius Mozart.

As per a ToI report, his selection for the Golden Key Music Festival in New York and Vienna has granted him the opportunity to perform in prestigious venues, including the renowned Ehrbar Hall and Mozarthaus.

Ayaan's musical journey began began during the pandemic. Originally trained in Hindustani classical vocal music, he quickly embraced Western classical music and mastered the piano through self-guided learning with online resources. His parents recognized his exceptional potential and enrolled him to a music academy.


In November 2021, Ayaan's first public performance alongside the SOI Chamber Orchestra marked the beginning of an impressive musical journey. His talent drew widespread acclaim, leading to further performances across Mumbai, Pune, and Almaty, Kazakhstan. In just two years, Ayaan has also composed several pieces, showcasing his remarkable versatility as a pianist and composer.

Balancing music with his studies and passion for learning, Ayaan's parents homeschool him to provide ample time for his musical pursuits. His extraordinary maturity and passion for music have astonished his teachers and audiences alike, earning him accolades and admirers.

Pianist Aida Bisengalieva, one of Ayaan's mentors, described him as a normal child physically but a mature adult mentally. She expressed amazement at how he absorbs musical knowledge and phrasing, surpassing his age.

As Ayaan's musical journey gains momentum, he proves that age is no barrier to talent and dedication.