Feb
Prime Feature
Carnegie Hall announces its first Indian Music Festival, set to debut in May 2027
The annual event is made possible by a strong support from Ila & Dinesh Paliwal and their family foundation, dedicated to supporting the festival’s performances, the Hall’s ongoing programming as well as educational and community initiatives designed to celebrate and explore Indian musical heritage.
Mumbai, 6th February 2026: Carnegie Hall in New York has announced its inaugural Indian Music Festival, set to debut in 2027. The three-day festival, scheduled to take place from May 21-23, 2027, will bring together world-class musicians from India, offering New York audiences a deep, immersive exploration of India’s classical music traditions and its vibrant contemporary voices. For Indian artists, the initiative creates a rare and prestigious platform at one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions.
“I am delighted to see plans for Carnegie Hall’s new Indian Music Festival coming to life and am deeply honoured and looking forward to joining the board,” said Ila Paliwal. “Carnegie Hall has long stood for artistic excellence, education, and cultural exchange, and I look forward to contributing to its mission and the communities it serves”, she adds further.
The annual event is made possible by a strong support from Ila & Dinesh Paliwal and their family foundation, dedicated to supporting the festival’s performances, the Hall’s ongoing programming as well as educational and community initiatives designed to celebrate and explore Indian musical heritage. As part of the festival, select Indian artists will also be recognized with the Carnegie Hall Fellow Award with their work highlighted through the Hall’s programming.
“Carnegie Hall thrives because of trustees who bring a global perspective and a deep commitment to the arts,” said Robert F. Smith, Chairman of Carnegie Hall’s Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to work with Ila as part of the Hall’s family as we develop and advance our institution’s mission.”
Paliwal, a New York–based, award-winning vocalist, composer, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist, chairs the Ila & Dinesh Paliwal Foundation and champions charitable causes across education, arts & culture, environmental stewardship, and climate action. She also serves as a trustee of the Central Park Conservancy, is a Well Member of Charity Water, and sits on the board of Pratham USA.
“Ila’s passion for artistic excellence and cultural exchange closely aligns with Carnegie Hall’s values and we know that her perspective as an artist and especially as an advocate for Indian culture will be invaluable to our work together,” said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s Margaret and Alexander J.C. Smith Executive and Artistic Director.
“This new initiative marks a major step forward in Carnegie Hall’s commitment to celebrate treasured musical traditions from around the world,” commented Gillinson.
Educational programming and community initiatives will complement festival concerts, deepening public appreciation for Indian classical music. Additional festival details and a full schedule of events will be announced later this year.
