Indian music is set to take centre stage at one of the world’s most prestigious concert venues. Carnegie Hall has officially announced Naad 2027: A Festival of Indian Music, a brand-new annual festival dedicated entirely to celebrating India’s rich musical traditions.
Scheduled to take place from May 21 to May 23, 2027, the inaugural edition will feature three landmark performances by some of India’s most celebrated musicians, including A.R. Rahman, Grammy-winning bansuri maestro Rakesh Chaurasia, and acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty.
A Historic Carnegie Hall Debut for A.R. Rahman
The biggest highlight of the festival will undoubtedly be A.R. Rahman’s long-awaited Carnegie Hall debut on May 22at the iconic Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Internationally celebrated for his Academy Award and Grammy-winning music, Rahman has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, but this marks his first-ever performance at Carnegie Hall—an important milestone in an already remarkable global career. Additional guest performers joining Rahman’s concert will be announced closer to the event.
Three Days Celebrating India’s Musical Heritage
Naad 2027 will open on May 21 with a performance by Rakesh Chaurasia at Zankel Hall. The Grammy-winning flautist will be joined by tabla virtuoso Ishaan Ghosh, while Ritik Chaurasia will also perform on the bansuri, promising an evening dedicated to one of India’s most expressive classical instruments.
The festival will conclude on May 23 with SIFAR, a Hindustani classical concert led by Kaushiki Chakraborty. Accompanied by an accomplished ensemble including Anantha R. Krishnan, Ambi Subramaniam, Soumik Datta, and Ishaan Ghosh, the closing performance reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing both established traditions and contemporary artistic collaborations.
More Than Just Concerts
Naad has been conceived as much more than a concert series. Carnegie Hall envisions it as an annual celebration of Indian music, combining performances with educational initiatives, community programmes, and cultural exchange. The festival has been developed in consultation with New York-based vocalist, composer, producer, and philanthropist Ila Paliwal, while major support has been provided by The Ila & Dinesh Paliwal Foundation.
Announcing the inaugural edition, Carnegie Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director Clive Gillinson described the participating artists as representing “an extraordinary range of musical voices,” reflecting both India’s centuries-old traditions and the creativity shaping its musical future.
Tickets Go on Sale Soon
Mastercard cardholders have already received early access to tickets, while general public ticket sales begin on Monday, August 10, at 10 a.m. ET. With A.R. Rahman’s Carnegie Hall debut is expected to generate enormous international interest, and demand is likely to be exceptionally high.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Music
For decades, Indian musicians have earned admiration across the globe, but Naad 2027 represents something larger than individual performances. It establishes a permanent annual platform for Indian classical and contemporary music at one of the world’s most respected cultural institutions.
With artists like A.R. Rahman, Rakesh Chaurasia, and Kaushiki Chakraborty leading its inaugural edition, Naad 2027 signals that Indian music is no longer simply travelling abroad, it is becoming an integral part of the global cultural conversation.
