Milap celebrate 40 Years by announcing their Spring 2025 season of Indian Arts and Culture.

Tuesday, January 07, 2025

The arts and culture organisation Milap has announced its brand new Spring season of Indian Arts & Culture, taking place at various venues across Liverpool from February to April 2025.

We have received the following press release;

Milap celebrate 40 Years announcing their Spring 2025 season of Indian Arts and Culture

Happy New Year! Milap are making a positive start to 2025 with their brand new Spring season of Indian Arts & Culture, taking place across Liverpool from February.

Following a fantastic Autumn season, Milap are once again showcasing some of India’s most acclaimed Hindustani and Carnatic musicians as part of their special 40th Anniversary, alongside both established and emerging talent from the UK.

The opening show sees Milap head to The Tung Auditorium for a lunchtime concert, to present rising star Aparna Raguraman with her enchanting expression of Carnatic violin.

Awarded Milap’s National Youth Fellowship in 2020 and 2021, among many other accolades from prestigious national music competitions in her early career, Aparna Raguraman has quickly made her mark as a young female artist.

Praised for her emotional depth and technical precision, Aparna has shared stages with the world’s leading musicians and collaborated with world-renowned sitar virtuoso, Anoushka Shankar, further cementing her status as a promising young artist in Indian classical music.

Joining Aparna on stage are two powerhouse percussionists: Bangalore Prakash on mridangam and Prathap Ramachandra on the ghatam. This dynamic collective promise an afternoon of rich, intricate soundscapes, honouring the depth and beauty of Carnatic music.

The first evening concert of the season features the world-renowned, multi GRAMMY-winner, Rakesh Chaurasia on the bansuri. Rakesh - nephew and disciple of flute legend Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia - is celebrated worldwide for his expressive and technically masterful playing.

Carrying forward his family’s rich musical legacy, Rakesh brings a contemporary touch to the ancient art of bansuri. His mastery and dextrous technique has resonated deeply with audiences across the globe for decades - with him notably concluding the twenty-four hour live music BBC broadcast to a worldwide audience, celebrating Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee.

Accompanied by tabla maestro, Shahbaz Hussain - whose rhythmic precision and sensitivity is admired internationally - expect an evening of legendary musicianship that showcases the timeless appeal and emotional depth of Hindustani classical music.

2025 sees Milap return to Liverpool International Jazz Festival for another year, to present the extraordinary talents of Rekesh Chauhan at The Capstone Theatre.

Rekesh - a multi-award-winning British pianist and composer - is celebrated for his versatility in both Indian and Western classical traditions. Collaborating with many legendary artists - Pt. Birju Maharaj, MOBO award-winning jazz pianist Zoe Rahman and Mercury Prize-winner, Talvin Singh - Rekesh is recognised for his seamless amalgamation of eastern and western styles.

In this special festival appearance, Rekesh will be joined by internationally renowned tabla maestro Kousic Sen. Together, they will explore the dynamic intersection of Indian classical music and jazz, blending tradition with contemporary innovation. With Rekesh’s evocative piano melodies and Kousic’s virtuosic rhythms, this collaboration promises to offer a fresh perspective on the blending of genres.

To bring the season to a close, Milap return to The Tung Auditorium for another free lunchtime concert, this time spotlighting the rich, melodious sounds of acclaimed sitarist Mehboob Nadeem.

A celebrated and widely respected musician, Mehboob’s mastery over the sitar is unparalleled. Bringing decades of artistry to the stage from around the globe, his performances have been renowned for their virtuosity and intensity. Accompanied by the dynamic tabla maestro, Kousic Sen, the pair are set to deliver a serene and immersive experience - perfect for a midday escape.

MILAP SPRING 2025 SEASON

Milap + The Tung Auditorium present
Aparna Raguraman
Wednesday 5th February, 1pm
The Tung Auditorium, 60 Oxford St, Liverpool, L7 3NY
TICKETS https://thetungauditorium.com/events/indian-music-by-milap-aparna-raguraman
Milap collaborate with The Tung Auditorium, to present Carnatic violin rising Aparna Raguraman. Awarded Milap’s National Youth Fellowship in 2020 and 2021, among many other accolades from prestigious music competitions, Aparna has quickly made her mark as a promising young female artist in Indian classical music.
Joining Aparna on stage are two powerhouse percussionists: Bangalore Prakash on mridangam and Prathap Ramachandra on the ghatam. Expect an afternoon of rich, intricate soundscapes, honouring the depth and beauty of Carnatic music.
Presented in partnership with The Tung Auditorium as part of their Lunchtime Concert Series.

Milap + LIJF 2025 present Beyond Roots featuring
Rekesh Chauhan & Kousic Sen
Saturday 22nd February, 1:00pm
The Capstone Theatre, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool, L6 1HP
TICKETS https://capstone.hope.ac.uk/whatson/milap-and-lijf-2025-presents-beyond-roots-.html
Join Milap at The Capstone Theatre for Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2025 featuring multi-award-winning pianist, Rekesh Chauhan. Collaborating with many legendary artists - including Pt. Birju Maharaj, MOBO award-winning jazz pianist Zoe Rahman, and Mercury Prize-winner, Talvin Singh - Rekesh is recognised for his versatility in both Indian and Western classical traditions. 
Rekesh will be joined by internationally renowned tabla maestro Kousic Sen, to explore the dynamic intersection of Indian classical music and jazz, blending tradition with contemporary intersection.

Milap presents
Rakesh Chaurasia
Sunday 16th March, 7pm
The Tung Auditorium, 60 Oxford Street, Liverpool, L7 3NY
TICKETS https://thetungauditorium.com/events/rakesh-chaurasia
The first evening concert of the season features the world-renowned, multi GRAMMY-winner, Rakesh Chaurasia on the bansuri. Rakesh - nephew and disciple of flute legend Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia - is celebrated worldwide for his expressive and technically masterful playing.
Accompanied by tabla virtuoso, Shahbaz Hussain - whose rhythmic precision and sensitivity is admired internationally - expect an evening of legendary musicianship that showcases the timeless appeal and emotional depth of Hindustani classical music.

Milap + The Tung Auditorium present
Mehboob Nadeem & Kousic Sen
Wednesday 2nd April, 1pm
The Tung Auditorium, 60 Oxford St, Liverpool, L7 3NY
TICKETS https://thetungauditorium.com/events/indian-music-by-milap-mehboob-nadeem-and-kousic-sen
Milap and The Tung Auditorium come together again for another free lunchtime concert, this time spotlighting the rich, melodious sounds of acclaimed sitarist Mehboob Nadeem.
A celebrated and widely respected musician, Mehboob’s mastery over the sitar is unparalleled. Accompanied by the dynamic tabla maestro, Kousic Sen, the pair are set to deliver a serene and immersive experience - perfect for a midday escape.

About Milap
Milap is the UK’s leading Indian Arts & Culture company.
Established in 1985, it has a year round programme of Indian arts in London and Liverpool, and works both nationally and internationally to inspire, educate and entertain. Milap also founded the National Indian Arts Awards in order to recognise the work of countless individuals, schools, teachers, performers, and art organisations, up and down the British Isles, who are working tirelessly to provide generous opportunities to learn or experience Indian arts.
http://www.milap.co.uk
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