CentreStage Weekend 2024

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art is pleased to present the second edition of the CentreStage Weekend, a platform for young artists and collectives who have made a mark in the performing arts through their exciting and unique work. Witness the coming together of an array of genres, from Kuchipudi and modern dance to jazz, Carnatic and Sufi music!

About KNMA

Established at the initiative of avid art collector Kiran Nadar in 2010, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art popularly known as KNMA, is a private museum exhibiting modern and contemporary artworks from the Indian subcontinent and increasingly from around the world. With two museums, one in Saket and the other in Noida, KNMA has housed many critically acclaimed exhibitions. Kiran Nadar’s contributions have earned her prestigious awards like the Padma Shri and Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, alongside global recognition as an influential figure in contemporary art.

In a few years, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art will find a new home in a 1.2 million square foot building near the Indira Gandhi International Airport. With multiple exhibition spaces, auditoriums, open patios, an archive centre, a library, restaurants, members room and more, the new museum will diversify KNMA into a cultural centre that promotes both visual and performing arts.

DAY 1 - 29 November 2024 

Yamini Kalluri | Kuchipudi Dance | 7:00 PM | 30 mins

Yamini Kalluri, is a celebrated Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, and educator, who has been recognized as one of the youngest sensations in the classical dance world. Her unique artistry blends tradition with contemporary influences, rooted in her formal training at Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University and in ballet and modern dance at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. 

Yamini will be accompanied by Andreas König, an internationally acclaimed pianist who has performed both as a concert soloist and as part of orchestras. He is currently a piano lecturer and supervisor at Delhi Music Society.

Mari Mathias and Seyievinuo Chuzho | Welsh Folk & Naga Folk Vocal Duet | 7:45 PM | 45 mins

In this unique performance supported by the British Council, two singer/ songwriters bring their respective traditions to the stage. Welsh female artist Mari Mathias sings in her native Welsh tongue and puts her own contemporary take on traditional folk melodies from west Wales and Pembrokeshire. Seyievinou Chuzho, a Nagaland based artist and researcher, infuses traditional melodies, chants, and narratives with a contemporary charm that resonates with audiences far and wide.

Kartikeya & Makrand | Flute & Percussion Duet | 9:00 PM | 60 mins

Kartikeya Vashisht and Makrand Sanon are eclectic musicians transcending known realms of sound by amalgamating flavours of the ancient, classical, contemporary & future. In their performances, they bring together musical influences and ideas from World music, folk, Indian classical music, Jazz, Blues and Rock ‘n’ roll.

TĀL FRY | Percussion Ensemble | 10:30 PM | 90 mins

TĀL FRY is an initiative that brings together enthusiasts of rhythm and creates a sonic and visual spectacle for its audience. This ensemble delves into the rich rhythmic traditions found in both classical and folk music in India and explores their elements in innovative and experimental ways.

DAY 2 - 30 November 2024 

The GMI Ensemble | Music Band | 7:00 PM | 30 mins

The GMI Ensemble, composed of talented students and alumni from the Global Music Institute, represents a vibrant and diverse musical community. Hailing from various cultural backgrounds, these musicians come together to showcase their unique perspectives through an eclectic mix of genres, including jazz, Latin, pop, and fusion. Their performances are a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the rich musical education they've received at GMI, pushing boundaries while honouring tradition. 

Spoorthi Rao and Band | Carnatic Music Ensemble | 7:45 PM | 45 mins

Spoorthi Rao has been a student of the renowned vidushis Ranjani-Gayatri for the last 9 years and has been singing since she was four years old. After winning the popular reality TV show Super Singer Junior at age 9, her family moved to Chennai to nurture her talent. She has performed a world tour with cine music stalwarts such as Shankar Mahadevan, KS Chitra and SP Balasubramanian. 

The Mehtab Ali Niazi Experience | Sitar | 9:00 PM | 60 mins

Mehtab Ali Niazi is a widely acclaimed Sitar maestro who hails from the renowned Bhendi Bazar Gharana. He was initiated into the world of sitar by his father, the accomplished Sitar player Ustad Mohsin Ali Khan and has been mentored by Padma Bhushan Pandit Rajan Sajan Mishra Ji and Padma Shree Pandit Madhup Mudgal.

Jashn-e-Sufiana | Sufi Band | 10:30 PM | 90 mins

Jashn-e-Sufiana is a Delhi based Sufi classical band that blends traditional classical jugalbandi with modern influences to create a unique musical experience. Their music is a celebration of culture and emotions through different ragas and various other genres.