One of the most highly anticipated classical music events in India is the ITC Sangeet Sammelan. If you were in Kolkata in December 2024, you would have had the pleasure of experiencing performances by some of the most extraordinary classical musicians from across the country. This annual event featured legendary artists such as Ulhas Kashalkar, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Rakesh Chaurasia, and Shubha Mudgal. The Sammelan is not just an event; it's an experience that connects you to the soul of India's rich musical heritage. The entity behind it is the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, a lasting beacon of Indian classical music since 1977.
Based out of a stunning, pristine white heritage building in Kolkata, the ITC Sangeet Research Academy stands as a beacon of excellence in the promotion and preservation of classical music. With a mission to develop innovative training systems, the Academy harmonises traditional knowledge with modern research, enhancing appreciation for the rich tapestry of classical music.
ITC's musical journey took flight with the inaugural ITC Sangeet Sammelan in Delhi in 1971. This remarkable event quickly became a cultural phenomenon, drawing the finest talents in the music world and reshaping the capital’s cultural scene into a landmark occasion. As the cultural landscape evolved, so did the Academy's vision, expanding its role in the preservation and promotion of India’s musical heritage. The gradual decline of royal patronage had begun to threaten this invaluable tradition, with fewer genuine masters remaining by the late 1970s. Many musicians were compromising classical artistry for fleeting fame, putting India's musical legacy at risk.
In response, the ITC SRA was founded in 1977 as a modern Gurukul, revitalizing the revered Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-student tradition). As a professionally managed public charitable trust, it has spearheaded corporate support for Hindustani classical music, ensuring its vitality despite the diminishing support from royal and governmental sources. Join us in celebrating and preserving this extraordinary musical heritage for future generations.
The ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC SRA) passionately champions India's magnificent classical music heritage. Its mission goes beyond preservation; it actively seeks to engage new audiences, ensuring this rich legacy thrives for generations to come. Among the legendary figures associated with ITC SRA are Nissar Hussain Khan (Sahaswan Gharana), Hirabai Barodekar (Kirana Gharana), Ishtiaq Hussain Khan (Rampur Gharana), Nivrittibua Sarnaik (Atrauli-Jaipur Gharana), Girija Devi (Benaras Gharana), and Latafat Hussain Khan (Agra Gharana). These revered artists settled in Kolkata, significantly contributing to the creation of an institution that exemplifies the revered Guru-Shishya Parampara (the tradition of teacher and disciple).
If you have a passion for Indian classical music, don’t miss the annual events organised by ITC SRA. They have created numerous platforms both nationally and internationally, ensuring that high-quality music reaches audiences who may not typically have access to it. These events are designed to meet the unique needs of diverse audiences and foster a deeper appreciation for music. This innovative approach not only engages seasoned connoisseurs but also helps in nurturing new enthusiasts, thereby broadening the reach and impact of Indian classical music on a global scale.
Address: ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Tollygunge, Kolkata1, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Rd, Ashok Nagar, Tollygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700040
