Professor Swagata “Ban” Banerjee earns executive producer credit on Christopher Tin recording heard during Yuma Kagiyama’s Olympic free skate

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A newly recorded ending to one of opera’s most famous unfinished works has given Kentucky State University a place on a global stage. Dr. Swagata “Ban” Banerjee, professor of economics in the School of Business, received executive producer credit on Turandot: Christopher Tin Finale, released Feb. 6 and later heard during Japanese figure skater Yuma Kagiyama’s free skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Created by two-time Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin and originally commissioned by the Washington National Opera, the project offers a new musical conclusion to Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot, left incomplete at the composer’s death.

The recording features the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English National Opera Chorus, and soloists Christine Goerke and Clay Hilley.

Most of the recording took place in Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios in London, one of the most historic recording spaces in the world.

“It was an immense honor to collaborate on such an epic undertaking,” Dr. Banerjee said. “Working alongside world-class artists and musicians to help bring a new ending to one of opera’s most iconic works was a truly unforgettable experience.”

The project drew added attention in February when music from Tin’s finale accompanied Kagiyama’s free skate in Milan. Kagiyama went on to win silver in the men’s event, and Japan also earned silver in the team competition, giving the 22-year-old four Olympic medals.

For Dr. Banerjee, the credit reflects a faculty career that moves across economics, music production, and international artistic collaboration.

He previously collaborated with Tin on the album The Lost Birds, which received a Grammy nomination in 2022. The new opera recording is expected to be submitted for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards.

In addition to teaching economics at Kentucky State, Dr. Banerjee remains active as a musician and producer through Ban Brothers with his brother, Gautam Banerjee.

“I feel grateful to represent Kentucky State University on a global creative platform,” Dr. Banerjee said. “Projects like this demonstrate how scholarship, creativity, and collaboration can transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.”

Music from the project and Dr. Banerjee’s broader catalog is available through his Linktree page.