Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai, The Royal Opera House Mumbai, and Avid Learning present Jugalbandi: The Crossing - An Evening of World Music Fusion

Discover the unique soundscapes when Mediterranean jazz jams with Indian Classical to create soulful symphonies of world music. From the melodies of ragas to the foot-tapping beats of vibraphone, sax, and drums, this musical extravaganza promises to take you on a sonic journey like never before.   

Experience the cultural interplay when international jazz artists perform in conjunction with multifaceted Indian musicians for an unforgettable concert. An exciting surprise awaits fans as these diversely talented artists get together on stage for the first time. This performance also marks the final leg of The Crossing Italian band’s tour after making waves and delighting audiences in Tokyo and Hong Kong. The blending of vibrant and eclectic harmonies with pulsating and hypnotic rhythms will leave you energized and inspired.  

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and fusion as we bring together two worlds in perfect harmony. This is a performance you don't want to miss!  

About Performers 

Enzo Favata has played with his projects in many prestigious festivals and stages around the world. In 2019 he created a new project The Crossing: a quartet that moves freely across various musical languages. The band was immediately successful and has plays on various tours in South America, Europe and Asia, giving life to an album awarded by critics and the public. 

Marco Frattini is one of the most respected drummers in Italy. His ability to always keep the beat solid and groovy whatever is the genre or style has had him performing at festivals and clubs with artists such as George Garzone, TrilokGurtu, Randy Bernsen, Javier Girotto, Howard Levy, Karen Asatrian, RossStanley, C'mon Tigre, Ron Gallo, Yazz Ahmed and many many others. 

Giacomo Riggi is an Italian vibraphone and marimba player who graduated in classical percussions with honours in the high musical education Institute P.Mascagni in Livorno with Master Gionata Faralli’s guidance. He also dabbles in singing and composition from “classical” to “jazz” and music for children has travelled the world on tour to Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Romania, France, Spain, Germany, England, Russia among others. 

Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy is a singer and composer. She constantly strives to explore avenues outside of her strict classical roots to play with the pure soul stirring power that music has. won the National Award and Filmfare Award as Best Singer for the songs she created and sang in the film Nathicharami. 

Vedanth Bharadwaj specializes in singing and playing the songs of saint poets from the Bhakti and Sufi traditions at music festivals in India and across the world. He has formally learnt Carnatic, Hindustani and Western Classical music and is currently a disciple of maestro Ramamoorthy Rao.  

Varijashree Venugopal finds her own space and unique language by interspersing different genres of music and merging into various musical cultures, yet retaining the authencity of her musical roots. She has worked as a composer and songwriter spread across a variety of platforms such as playback singing for films, tele soaps, theatre productions, short films, albums, etc. 

Jagadeesh Ramanujam Mudambi is a self-taught guitar player, composer and founder of MoonArra, based in Bengaluru. He is an experienced guitarist performing with pop, rock, jazz and fusion ensembles for three decades.  He is also the Director of the Bangalore School of Music, heading the Jazz & Contemporary music department.