CentreStage Festival to be held from November 29

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is set to host the second edition of CentreStage Weekend, a two-day cultural festival showcasing emerging talent in performing arts. Scheduled for November 29–30, the event will feature an eclectic mix of performances across diverse genres, including Kuchipudi, modern dance, jazz, Carnatic music, and folk traditions from Wales and Nagaland.

The festival reflects KNMA’s dedication to nurturing young artists and offering audiences an immersive experience in a variety of art forms. The opening night will feature Yamini Kalluri, a Kuchipudi dancer blending classical roots with contemporary styles, accompanied by pianist Andreas König. This will be followed by a duet by Mari Mathias from Wales and Seyievinuo Chuzho from Nagaland, merging Welsh folk and Naga melodies in collaboration with the British Council. Next, Kartikeya Vashisht and Makrand Sanon will present a flute and percussion performance combining Indian classical, jazz, blues, and world music influences. The evening will conclude with an experimental percussion finale by TĀL FRY, a group redefining India’s rhythmic traditions.

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The second evening promises equally diverse performances, beginning with the GMI Ensemble, featuring students and alumni from the Global Music Institute, performing jazz, Latin, and fusion genres. Carnatic prodigy Spoorthi Rao and her ensemble will then bridge classical traditions with a modern sensibility. Mehtab Ali Niazi, a sitar maestro from the Bhendi Bazar Gharana, will captivate the audience with his rich heritage and virtuosity. The event will conclude with Jashn-e-Sufiana, a Delhi-based band blending classical jugalbandi with contemporary Sufi influences.

Speaking about the festival, Aditi Jaitly, Senior Curator of Performing Arts at KNMA, said, “CentreStage Weekend is a celebration of the dynamic energy and creativity of a new generation of artists. It’s a privilege to present such a diverse lineup, where traditional art forms seamlessly blend with contemporary experimentation. This festival highlights the remarkable talent of young performers and offers our audiences an exciting opportunity to engage with the vibrant future of the performing arts”.

The event will be held on November 29 and 30 at The Piano Man, New Delhi. Tickets are available online at Insider.

When: November 29–30

Where: The Piano Man, New Delhi