Carnatic & Hindustani Classical Instruments Recital - An ensemble of Indian Percussion
By Shankar Narayanaswamy from Kolkata (mridangam); Mandola Joy (shreetar); Sohon Ghosh (tabla); Anand R Jayaram (violin & vocal); K.G.Prasad (ghatam); Akash Mukherji (vocal)

At 18.30
Dhrupad Recital
By Pandit Radha Govind Das from Delhi, disciple of Pandit Vidur Malik

Curated by Rajiv Mehrotra

Windfall of Grace (India)
(129 min; 2020; English)
Director: Japna Tulsi

An engaging insight on one of the most enigmatic mystics of the 20th century, Shri Neem Karoli Baba (1900-1973). Through a blend of narratives from simple, rustic Indian devotees juxtaposed with narratives of renowned American devotees, the film seeks to bring out how their individual encounters with Maharajji sparked dramatic shifts in their life’s purpose, along with profound shifts in their consciousness. From Steve Jobs to Larry Brilliant and Mark Zuckerberg, from Ram Dass to Krishna Das and many others, these stories are interspersed with devotional chants, music and kirtans

(Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama)
 

Curated & Introduced by Sunit Tandon

OPERA
Christoph Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice
(124 min; 1982; dvd; English subtitles)

From The Glyndebourne Festival Opera, with Janet Baker (Orfeo); Elisabeth Speiser (Euridice); Elizabeth Gale (Amore);

The Glyndebourne Festival Chorus
The London Philharmonic
Conductor: Raymond Leppard
Producer: Peter Hall

British mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker chose to retire from the operatic stage singing the title role in Sir Peter Hall’s acclaimed production of Orfeo ed Euridice. This 1982 recording from Glyndebourne where she began her professional career, proved a suitable crowning glory to her career, with a moving portrayal of Orfeo, the grieving musician from Greek mythology, who follows his beloved wife Euridice to the depths of Hades in an attempt to bring her back from the dead.

SUMMER SONATA-A FESTIVAL OF OPERA, BALLET AND CONCERT FILMS
Dedicated to the Memory of Dr. R.P. Jain and Prof. Samaresh Chatterji
Curated and introduced by Sunit Tandon

BALLET
Adolphe Adam: Giselle
(115 min; 2016; dvd)

From The Royal Ballet, with Marianela Nuñez (Giselle); Vadim Muntagirov (Count Albrecht); Bennet Gartside (Hilarion); Johannes Stepanek (Wilfred); Elizabeth McGorian (Berthe); Gary Avis (the Duke of Courland); Christina Arestis (Bathilde); Itziar Mendizabal (Myrtha); Olivia Cowley (Moyna); Beatriz Stix-Brunell (Zulme)

Choreography: Marius Petipa after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Concert Master: Peter Manning
Conductor: Barry Wordsworth

With its story of love, a betrayed village girl, ghosts and redemption, Giselle is the quintessential Romantic ballet and has remained a cornerstone of the classical repertory since its premiere in 1841. Giselle is one of the most challenging and demanding roles in the repertory and has always been a showcase for exceptional ballerinas.
 

Pots of Millet, Faces of Gold: Transformation
(78 min; English)
An ethnographic film by Richard K. Wolf

The film will be introduced by Prof. Richard K. Wolf, Professor of Ethnomusicology, Harvard University

Screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker moderated by Dr. Shubha Chaudhuri, Associate Director General (Academic), Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, American Institute of Indian Studies

This is the first in a series of films about the Kota indigenous people of South India, thematizing the passing of historical time, the periods of an individual’s life, and the way the viewer experiences time through the “lenses” of changing technology. Composed primarily of footage and sound the ethnomusicologist Richard K. Wolf collected in the course of fieldwork, 1990-2025, the film also bears the imprint of Wolf’s emerging relationship with the Kota, sometimes as participants, sometimes as observer

(Collaboration: American Institute of Indian Studies)

Humans in the Loop (India)
(74 min; 2024; Hindi with English subtitles)
Written and Directed by Aranya Sahay who will introduce the film

Recipient of the Best Film Award and FIPPRESCI Prize, Bengaluru International Film Festival 2025

Screening will be followed by a discussion

The film follows the journey of an Adivasi woman who begins interacting with AI while working in a data centre in Jharkhand

The House in the Hills 
(47 min; 2024; English and with subtitles)
Written and Directed by Mekhela Deva

The film will be introduced by Sudeep Sen, well-known poet

What happens when a journalist turned filmmaker volunteers to go to Mussoorie to oversee the repairs to a house that belonged to her grandfather? The film weaves together the restoration of Dil Bahar, a heritage house, along with the story of pre and post-Independent India as seen through the growth and development of a small hill town.    

Curator: Rajiv Mehrotra

A Fly on the Wall
(82 min; 2024; English)
Directors: Shonali Bose & Nilesh Maniyar

The film follows Chika Kapadia’s final eight days, filmed by two of his closest friends, as he chooses assisted dying – un unflinching journey through love, loss and the right to die with dignity

Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama)

Kathak Recital
By Niharika Kushwah from Delhi, disciple of Guru Prerana Shrimali  

At 19:00 
Bharatanatyam Recital
By Shruthipriya Vignesh, from Chennai, disciple of Smt Nithyakalyani Vaidyanathan and Smt Bragha Bessell 
 

A bit of joy and pleasure: Songs – Classical and Broadway
Presented by R. Excelicia Cunville (soprano- alto)

Accompanied by Varun Kumar on the piano

The artist will present a concert of works by Handel, Mozart, Saint-Saëns and others