Carnegie Hall has announced the launch of a landmark annual Indian Music Festival, set to debut in May 2027 as part of the Hall’s 2026–2027 season. The three-day festival, scheduled for May 21–23, 2027, will feature world-class musicians from India and offer New York audiences a “deep, immersive exploration” of India’s classical “music traditions and its vibrant contemporary voices.”

In a statement issued February 5, Carnegie Hall said the new initiative is made possible through a $10 million gift from Ila and Dinesh Paliwal and their family foundation. The gift will support festival performances, the Hall’s ongoing programming, and educational and community initiatives aimed at celebrating and exploring Indian musical heritage.

“As part of the festival, select Indian artists will also be recognized with the Carnegie Hall Fellow Award with their work highlighted through the Hall’s programming,” the statement added.

The statement also noted that, reflecting her longstanding commitment to music and to Carnegie Hall’s mission, Ila Paliwal has been recommended for appointment to the Hall’s board of trustees at its upcoming meeting on February 25.

Paliwal, a New York–based award-winning vocalist, composer, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist, serves as chair of the Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation and supports charitable initiatives across “education, arts & culture, environmental stewardship, and climate action.” She is also a trustee of the Central Park Conservancy, a Well Member of Charity Water, and a board member of Pratham USA.

“I am delighted to see plans for Carnegie Hall’s new Indian Music Festival coming to life and am deeply honored and looking forward to joining the board,” said Ila Paliwal. “Carnegie Hall has long stood for artistic excellence, education, and cultural exchange, and I look forward to contributing to its mission and the communities it serves.”

“Carnegie Hall thrives because of trustees who bring global perspective and a deep commitment to the arts,” said Robert F. Smith, Chairman of Carnegie Hall’s Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled to work with Ila as part of the Hall’s family as we develop and advance our institution’s mission.”

“Ila’s passion for artistic excellence and cultural exchange closely aligns with Carnegie Hall’s values and we know that her perspective as an artist and especially as an advocate for Indian culture will be invaluable to our work together,” said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director.

Planned in consultation with Paliwal, the inaugural Indian Music Festival will include a performance at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage featuring renowned artists from India, including cross-generational collaborations. According to the statement, two evenings in Zankel Hall will showcase instrumental and vocal recitals, emerging artists, and contemporary works that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

The festival will also be accompanied by educational programming and community initiatives designed to deepen public understanding and appreciation of Indian classical music. Additional details and a full schedule of events are expected to be announced later this year, the statement noted.

“This new initiative marks a major step forward in Carnegie Hall’s commitment to celebrate treasured musical traditions from around the world,” Gillinson said. “We are deeply grateful to Ila and Dinesh for their visionary support as we know the inaugural festival in 2027 and the annual Indian festivals to follow will be a meaningful way to honor Indian musical heritage in ways that inspire audiences for generations to come.”

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