Milap marks its 40th anniversary with an exciting Spring 2025 season, bringing Indian arts and culture to Liverpool from February. The lineup features renowned Hindustani and Carnatic musicians, alongside emerging UK talent, in a series of concerts at The Tung Auditorium and The Capstone Theatre.
A Rising Star Opens the Season
The season begins with a free lunchtime concert at The Tung Auditorium, featuring Carnatic violinist Aparna Raguraman. A former recipient of Milap’s National Youth Fellowship, Aparna has earned recognition for her expressive playing and technical precision. She has performed alongside leading artists, including sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar. Joining her on stage are mridangam artist Bangalore Prakash and ghatam specialist Prathap Ramachandra, delivering a rich and intricate Carnatic ensemble experience.
An Evening with Rakesh Chaurasia
The season’s first evening concert presents world-renowned flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, a multiple GRAMMY winner and protégé of his uncle, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Known for his dexterous technique and contemporary approach to the bansuri, Rakesh has captivated audiences worldwide, including his performance for the BBC’s 24-hour live music broadcast during Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. He will be accompanied by tabla maestro Shahbaz Hussain, promising an evening of Hindustani classical excellence.
Indian Classical Meets Jazz at Liverpool International Jazz Festival
Returning to the Liverpool International Jazz Festival, Milap presents British pianist and composer Rekesh Chauhan at The Capstone Theatre. Rekesh, known for combining Indian and Western classical music, has collaborated with artists such as Pt. Birju Maharaj, jazz pianist Zoe Rahman, and Mercury Prize-winner Talvin Singh. For this special performance, he will be joined by tabla virtuoso Kousic Sen, exploring the intersection of Indian classical music and jazz.
Season Finale: The Timeless Sound of the Sitar
The season concludes with another free lunchtime concert at The Tung Auditorium, featuring sitarist Mehboob Nadeem. Accompanied by tabla maestro Kousic Sen, Mehboob brings decades of global performance experience, offering a meditative and immersive midday musical escape.
More information about Milap’s Spring 2025 season.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central