The highly anticipated second edition of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) festival is set to enchant audiences at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi from October 9 to 12. This year, the festival champions the theme of Voices of Diversity, with acclaimed author and vocalist T.M. Krishna taking on the prestigious role of curator.
The festival kicks off with captivating performances such as ‘Lavani Ke Rang’ and ‘Wild Wild Women.’ It proudly presents an eclectic mix of talent, including the distinctive Manipuri folk-rock band Imphal Talkies & The Howlers, the Bollywood-inspired B Side Project by Anirudh Varma Collective, and ‘The Threshold’ featuring M.D. Pallavi and Bindhumalini, who will explore themes of freedom and belonging through the evocative poetry of remarkable women.
Further highlights of this vibrant festival include ‘Prem Ras,’ a unique collaboration between Prahlad Tipanya and Mukhtiyar Ali; a profound Carnatic baithak led by Jayanthi Kumaresh; the KNMA-commissioned piece ‘Nannajja’ by Lakshmana K.P.; the powerful Kashmiri rock sounds of Parvaaz; and a spectacular finale featuring Ankur Tewari and the Ghalat Family.
Aditi Jaitly, senior curator for performing arts at KNMA, elaborated on the festival’s vision: ‘Each year, we invite a distinguished artist to curate the festival, aiming to foster meaningful contemporary conversations and themes through a rich tapestry of artistic expressions from across the nation. Following last year’s KNMA Theatre Festival, which thoughtfully addressed questions of identity and justice, the KNMA Music Festival now turns to music as a profound lens for reflection, guided by T.M. Krishna’s insightful curation. His chosen theme deeply resonates with contemporary India, where debates surrounding inclusion, freedom, and cultural ownership are both pressing and ongoing.’
T.M. Krishna shared his personal connection to the curatorial process: ‘I have gathered musicians from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds who possess a deep conviction in the artist’s ability to elevate their craft to a transcendental realm. Through their music, they encourage us to reimagine our lives and strengthen our relationships with one another. This experience of collaborating with KNMA has been truly wonderful, as it was evident from the outset that our perspectives on art and its societal significance were perfectly synchronous. This partnership also reinforces my belief that art must surprise the musician just as much as it surprises the audience – only then does it truly come alive!’
Sunder Nursery offers an open-air, family-friendly environment, providing an ideal atmosphere for all age groups to immerse themselves in and celebrate India’s rich and diverse musical heritage. Tickets are available starting at ₹199.