Chicago Sinfonietta kicks off its vibrant 2025–26 “IGNITE” season with a bold, cross-cultural celebration titled Bollywood & Beyond, showcasing the transformative power of music. IGNITE reflects the orchestra’s mission to inspire connection, creativity, and cultural understanding through a global lens. From premieres to powerful reinterpretations, the new season honors changemakers and traditions alike, all while centering the rich musical heritage of Chicago.
Opening weekend sets the tone with a stunning tribute to Indian cinema and symphonic innovation. Bollywood & Beyond invites audiences to experience the first-ever orchestral adaptations of beloved Bollywood melodies, premiering in Chicago under the baton of Indian American conductor Roger Kalia. Joining him on stage is acclaimed Bollywood vocalist Anuradha “Juju” Palakurthi, whose dynamic performances have earned international acclaim. Their collaboration marks a joyful fusion of rhythm, tradition, and color.
The second half of the program shifts westward, led by Chicago Sinfonietta Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, who returns to works that hold deep personal significance—including selections from her early days with the orchestra and the celebrated 2018 Diwali performance. Highlights include The Angel from Formosa by Tyzen Hsiao and Saibei Dance by An-Lun Huang, both pieces filled with energy and cultural expression. Reena Esmail’s Teen Murti—a piece by an Indian American composer whose voice continues to redefine modern symphonic music—adds further depth and resonance to the evening.
Bollywood & Beyond will be presented on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville, and again on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater. Both performances begin at 7 PM.
This dynamic concert affirms Chicago Sinfonietta’s status as a boundary-breaking ensemble redefining what an orchestra can be in the 21st century. By featuring Indian American creatives and a blend of Eastern and Western traditions, the performance creates a space where diverse stories converge under one roof. The result is a dazzling evening of unity through sound, honoring the past while lighting the way forward.
