The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will host the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) Autumn 2026 Season from August 16 to 30.
Marking two decades of the SOI, the season celebrates its remarkable artistic journey with four symphonic concerts and two chamber recitals, bringing together internationally acclaimed conductors, soloists and a repertoire spanning the Classical, Romantic and early Modern periods.
Leading the season is the recently appointed SOI chief conductor Martyn Brabbins, who returns to conduct two concerts, while Alessandro Bonato, principal conductor of the Haydn Orchestra of Bolzano and Trento, makes his India debut with the orchestra in two programmes.
The season also welcomes three distinguished artists making their SOI debuts: Belgian clarinettist Annelien Van Wauwe, celebrated for her interpretations of the clarinet repertoire; acclaimed Italian violinist Francesca Dego; and Bonato himself. Returning to the SOI is award-winning cellist Bryan Cheng, who last performed with the orchestra during its Spring 2024 Season.
Continuing the orchestra’s ambitious Beethoven Symphony Cycle, initiated earlier this year in anticipation of the composer’s 200th death anniversary in 2027, the season features Symphonies Nos. 2 and 8, alongside Beethoven’s iconic Violin Concerto. Audiences can also look forward to masterpieces including Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra, Wagner’s Parsifal Prelude, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Rossini’s sparkling overtures, Mendelssohn’s beloved Italian Symphony, Respighi’s La Boutique fantasque and Tchaikovsky’s spectacular 1812 Overture.
Complementing the orchestral performances are two chamber music recitals. The internationally acclaimed Cheng Duo, comprising cellist Bryan Cheng and pianist Silvie Cheng, presents a programme featuring Janáček, Boulanger, Poulenc and a special arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Later in the season, Italian violinist Francesca Dego joins pianist Francesca Leonardi for a recital showcasing works by Tartini, Berio, Debussy, Respighi and Ravel.
Speaking on the occasion, Khushroo N. Suntook, chairman of the NCPA and co-founder of the Symphony Orchestra of India, said, “Looking back at 20 years of the Symphony Orchestra of India, I am reminded of the enormous support received from Dr. Jamshed J. Bhabha in looking at the NCPA in a different manner than its earlier conceptualisation. Towards the beginning of the new millennium, we felt that the time was ripe to devote our thoughts towards creating a group of our own performing musicians as well as a school of music which would further enhance the importance of international music in India. A chance meeting with violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliev after hearing him and an ensemble of Kazakh musicians at a concert in London presented us with an opportunity. We invited them to India to play a couple of concerts here over successive visits and eventually the idea of India’s own symphony orchestra became a reality. We now have former director of the English National Opera, Martyn Brabbins, as our Chief Conductor while Marat remains Artistic Director of the SOI. We are looking forward to establishing the orchestra, not only in India but also internationally. We aim to induct more Indians into the orchestra, which is already happening by way of our trainees scouted from across India and the SOI Music Academy, and we aim to reach greater heights. Hope we can continue to establish India as a centre of fine international music.”.”
Founded in 2006, the Symphony Orchestra of India has hosted world-class performances, international collaborations and nurtured Indian musical talent.
NCPA to host Symphony Orchestra of India Autumn 2026 season this August
