Ravi Shankar & George Harrison International Festival of Arts 2026 Concludes with Grand Success
The Ravi Shankar Institute of Music and Performing Arts has successfully concluded the highly anticipated Ravi Shankar & George Harrison International Festival of Arts 2026. This prestigious three-day cultural extravaganza was held from 13th to 15th February 2026 at the iconic Ravi Shankar Centre, drawing artists and audiences from around the world.
A Tribute to Legendary Artistic Legacies
Presented in solemn commemoration of the 106th Birth Anniversary of Pandit Ravi Shankar and the 83rd Birth Anniversary of George Harrison, the festival served as a profound tribute to their enduring artistic contributions. The event powerfully highlighted their shared conviction that music serves as a universal language capable of bridging diverse cultures and fostering global understanding.
Opening Night: A Confluence of Musical Traditions
The festival commenced on 13th February with an eclectic evening featuring remarkable performances. The program opened with a captivating vocal recital by Sofia Hoffmann, followed by a stirring shehnai presentation by the acclaimed Ashwani Shankar. A major highlight was the debut performance of the newly formed Ravi Shankar Ensemble at the Ravi Shankar Centre.
Curated by Sukanya Shankar and Anoushka Shankar, the ensemble featured an exceptional lineup of musicians: Shubhendra Rao on sitar, Aayush Mohan on sarod, Ravi Chandra Kulur on flute, Anubrata Chatterjee on tabla, B. C. Manjunath on mridangam, and Padma Shankar on violin. Their performance created a powerful synthesis of diverse instrumental traditions.
"It was indeed an immense honour for me to lead this ensemble of wonderful musicians. Personally, this experience transported me back almost four decades of my own life and musical journey. I have performed many of these pieces during my formative years under my Guru, with cherished memories of performing at prestigious venues like the Kremlin and Queen Elizabeth Hall," expressed sitarist Shubhendra Rao.
Second Evening: Soulful Melodies and Dhrupad Depth
On 14th February, audiences were treated to a soulful sitar recital by Radha Krishna ji, a dedicated disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar. This was followed by an evocative Dhrupad performance by the renowned Mallick Brothers, who brought profound depth and gravitas to the festival's second evening with their traditional presentation.
Final Day: Celebrating the Richness of Kathak Dance
The concluding day on 15th February celebrated the exquisite art form of Kathak. The evening opened with a graceful performance by Tulani Kayani Skeef from London, followed by a special guest appearance by the esteemed Sujata Banerjee.
Kathak exponent Deepti Gupta, a disciple of Guru Pt. Rajendra Gangani, presented a compelling recital deeply rooted in classical tradition. The festival culminated with "Avatarana," a grand finale spectacularly presented by Ramaa Bharadvaj, bringing the three-day celebration to a resonant and memorable close.
A Vibrant Celebration of Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Across its three immersive days, the Ravi Shankar & George Harrison International Festival of Arts 2026 stood as a vibrant celebration of timeless artistry. The event successfully demonstrated where tradition, excellence, and cross-cultural dialogue beautifully converged. The festival powerfully reaffirmed the enduring influence of both Pandit Ravi Shankar and George Harrison, actively carrying forward their visionary commitment to artistic collaboration and global harmony through musical expression.
