About Anjan
Anjan Shah is a multifaceted musician and marketer who bridges cultural traditions and genres, creating music that resonates with emotion, story, and a sense of universal connection. From his early start as a saxophone graduate of Michigan State University to performances on international stages, Anjan has always infused his work with authenticity and curiosity. He began graduate studies at the University of Illinois early in his career, a journey he returned to and completed thirty five years later when he earned his masters degree in 2025. A pivotal turning point came when he won the tenor saxophone position in the prestigious United States Army Field Band, where he became a noted soloist, performing more than six hundred concerts and leading master classes across North America and Europe during a five year tenure. This experience sharpened his musicianship and deepened his commitment to sharing music that captivates and connects.
After his Army service, Anjan collaborated with iconic artists such as Phil Woods, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole, Seth MacFarlane, and Linda Ronstadt, and toured with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He performs regularly with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, joining them on tours throughout Europe. As a founding member of the acclaimed Capitol Quartet, he has appeared with major symphonies across the United States under the direction of conductors Marin Alsop, John Russell Morris, Jack Everly, Jeff Tyzik, and Marvin Hamlisch. The quartet’s recordings, American Sketches, Anything Goes, and DIG, earned praise for their innovative spirit, described by American Record Guide as having luscious color and uninhibited verve.
In recent years, Anjan’s exploration of his heritage has taken center stage through Nightfall Rhapsody, also known as Rhapsody in Raag Jog, an original work by Drew Zaremba that blends jazz and Western classical writing with Hindustani traditions. This twenty two minute rhapsody, featuring bansuri, tenor saxophone, tabla, guitar, bass, and strings, celebrates diversity, cultural fusion, and personal acceptance. Born in Michigan as a first generation Indian American, Anjan grew up striving to fit in. Nightfall Rhapsody reflects his journey to embrace both his American identity and his Indian roots while honoring the influences that shaped him. The work is dedicated to his father, Girish Shah, whose encouragement sparked his first meaningful exploration of Indian music. Anjan hopes the piece invites listeners to consider the influences that shape their own relationship to music.
The resonance of Nightfall Rhapsody led naturally to Anjan’s newest artistic endeavor, the Temporal Taal Collective. Formed with an ensemble of world class artists, the Collective expands on the cross cultural foundation of Nightfall Rhapsody by presenting original works and reimagined repertoire that interweave Indian classical music, jazz, and Western chamber traditions. Featuring bansuri, saxophone, tabla, strings, guitar, bass, and Kathak dance, the Collective creates immersive performances that explore rhythm, melody, gesture, and movement as shared forms of storytelling. Through this work, Anjan continues his mission to build bridges between traditions and audiences, demonstrating how cultural fusion can produce entirely new artistic narratives.
Anjan’s career also extends beyond the stage into the world of marketing. After earning an MBA from Loyola University Maryland, he combined creative and strategic disciplines to lead marketing initiatives for organizations such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Music and Arts, IKEA, and Yamaha. His experience supporting performing arts organizations, music retailers, and recording labels reflects a commitment to helping artists and audiences connect through clear and compelling stories.
Anjan lives in Baltimore with his wife, daughter, and their resilient three legged cat. Through both music and marketing, he continues to build cultural bridges, encouraging others to celebrate and share the stories that make them who they are.
