Amrit Mahotsav: India/UK Together; Season of Culture Reaches Crescendo

• The KM Music Conservatory, in partnership with the British Council, presents the Concert for Friendship, celebrating the power of music to foster friendships. 
• A part of the India/UK Together - a Season of Culture, the Concert for Friendship is a significant event of the British Council's program, marking India's 75th anniversary. 
• Featuring 100 young musicians from the Sunshine Orchestra, Big Noise, and KM Music Conservatory, aged between 8 to 20, the concert will showcase popular works from Puccini, Verdi, Grieg, and Beethoven, as well as Scottish melodies, Naga and Tamil folk songs, and Carnatic melodies. 
• Soprano Divya Iyer will also perform alongside the orchestra and choir, with the world premiere of Malabar, a composition and performance by guitarist Matt Bacon.

India/UK Together Season of Culture reaches crescendo with Concert for Friendship

The Concert for Friendship, the highly anticipated musical event, is set to mark the crescendo of the year-long India/UK Together - a Season of Culture. This mesmerising musical extravaganza will bring together renowned artists from India and Scotland for an unforgettable evening of music and culture. Organised by the KM Music Conservatory in collaboration with the British Council, the Concert for Friendship is a celebration of the shared cultural heritage between India and the UK.

Exchange Of Culture Between India and the UK

The aim of the collaboration is to explore musical ideas and provide an opportunity for the exchange of cultures. The AR Rahman Foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra, Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise, and KM Music Conservatory have been working remotely to listen to and learn each other's music in advance of the India visit. The groups will be working together in person a week before the actual performance. The concert that brings together young and emerging artists from India and the UK aims to celebrate the rich musical traditions of both countries and opens up opportunities on global platforms for these talented students who mostly have limited access to resources.

During the upcoming residency week in India, a wider outreach programme will take place alongside the main concert, involving young musicians and their teachers, holding workshops for schools in Chennai, in association with Rhapsody Music Education. The initiative aims to promote the positive benefits of music education and its transformative abilities to a wide audience and encourage more young people to participate in music education.

India/UK Together Season of Culture

The Concert for Friendship is the crescendo of the India/UK Together Season of Culture, which is a year-long celebration of the long-standing relationship between India and the UK. Marking India’s 75th anniversary, the Season of Culture will see a vast programme of creative collaboration, education, and cultural exchange take place online and in cities across both countries. Working with a number of partners and institutions in the field of Arts, Education and English, the British Council is developing a programme of cultural activity which will bring together people in both countries, raise awareness around key real-world issues, and strengthen and celebrate the UK and India’s educational and cultural ties.

The Concert for Friendship features over 100 young musicians from Scotland, Nagaland, and Chennai, making it a truly diverse and inclusive event. The concert promises to be a treat for music lovers, with three symphonic performances brought together by the wonderful partners - AR Rahman Foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra, Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise, and KM Music Conservatory. Music has the power to unite people, and it is wonderful how these artists have come together to create beautiful music and appreciate and celebrate each other.

Shared Cultural Heritage Between India and the UK

The concert not only celebrates the shared cultural heritage between India and the UK but also promotes the positive impact of music education. Bringing together students, especially at a young age, can be a life-changing experience that leaves an indelible mark on them and promotes deeper learning. The carefully curated programme keeps in mind the sensibilities and life experiences of these young artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and gain exposure to the global music industry.

The Concert for Friendship is a musical extravaganza that celebrates the shared cultural heritage between India and the UK, and promotes the positive benefits of music education. This event promises to be a treat for music lovers and a life-changing experience for the young and emerging artists who are part of it. The India/UK Together Season of Culture is a year-long celebration of the long-standing relationship between India and the UK, which aims to bring people together, raise awareness around key real-world issues, and strengthen and celebrate the UK and India’s educational and cultural ties.