The Indo-European Youth Orchestra Makes History with Triumphant 5th Grand Budapest Concert at Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungary on 7th August 2025
The Indo-European Youth Orchestra (IEYO), celebrated a historic milestone with its 5th Grand Budapest Concert on August 7, 2025, at the majestic Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungary. This landmark performance, marking the orchestra’s 5th anniversary in Hungary, drew an overflowing audience, necessitating additional seating to accommodate the enthusiastic locals, who enjoy both, Indian and Western Classical music. The concert, met with multiple curtain calls, encore, and a resounding five-minute ovation, solidified IEYO’s legacy as the first and only India-based Western classical and intercultural music ensemble to perform consistently in Europe since 2019.
The 5th Grand Budapest Concert showcased a sinfonietta-styled orchestra of 27 talented musicians, blending young talents from India with young and seasoned musicians from Hungary. Featuring an eclectic instrumentation of Violins, Violas, Cellos, Flutes, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Horn, Saxophones and Piano, under the direction of Conductor and Composer, Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal from India. The ensemble delivered a breathtaking repertoire that bridged Western and Indian musical traditions. The program included Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21 (1st and 2nd movement) – a historic first for an India-based orchestra in Europe. Also performed celebrated pieces such as Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, Second Movement (Adagio), Vivaldi’s Summer Violin Concerto, 3rd Movement (Presto), Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2, and an orchestral arrangement of Rabindranath Tagore’s Jodi Tor Dak Shune Keu for saxophone and orchestra. The concert also featured Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2, Mozart’s Piano Sonata (arranged for orchestra), and two original works of Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal: Symphony No. 1 – Spirit of India, and Story of the Stars for flute and orchestra – Soloist: Dorottya Takács from Hungary.
The evening was elevated by stellar performances with soloists: Suraj Subramaniam (violin), Jyotishwar Singh (piano), Aishani Rai Dastidar (clarinet), Hazel Irudayaraj and Atharvan Shankar (saxophone), Anica D’sa (flute), and Dorottya Takács (flute) from Hungary. The other Orchestra members from India are: Shriya Prashant, Laya Ravisankar, Atreyi Gundgurthi, Omkar Sinha, Agastya Gautam Rathore and Vedanth Vishwanathan on Violin, and Sudeshna Makhal on Cello.
We are extremely proud of our youngsters, they have worked tremendously for the last few months, especially the last couple of days in Budapest with six hours of daily rehearsals. Kudos to their amazing teachers and music schools in India – Captain Samuel Ravindra, Prince Sunny, Bratin Kahaly, Dawn Cordo, Karthik Subramani, Ranjith David Samuel, Musikroots – the Music Academy, Troika Music School, Noha Chettri and the Art of Violin Hyderabad.
Adding to the festivities, IEYO performed a special concert on August 6, 2025, at the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre (ASCC), Embassy of India in Budapest, continuing its tradition of annual performances at the venue since 2022, including the celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav concert. These events underscore IEYO’s role as a cultural bridge, fostering unity and artistic exchange between India and Europe.
Founded in 2018 by Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal and co-founder Sudeshna Makhal, IEYO is a trailblazing force in Western classical and intercultural music. Unlike ensembles focused on celebrity performers, IEYO is dedicated to nurturing young music students, providing unparalleled opportunities for musical growth and personal development through initiatives like the Grand Budapest Concert and its Chamber Music Performance Masterclass/Workshop. Sudeshna Makhal, a Cellist and the orchestra’s Program Director, remains an indispensable pillar, orchestrating the seamless execution of IEYO’s ambitious projects behind the scenes.
Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal’s vision has propelled IEYO to international acclaim. A distinguished Violinist, Conductor, and Composer – Makhal is among the few Indian composers with ALCM Diploma in Music Composing, creating raga-based orchestral works for both Indian and western musicians and global audiences. His compositions, including Symphony No. 1 – Spirit of India, the Ancient India, 1947 the Summer of India, and Story of the Stars, premiered to critical acclaim, blending Indian musical heritage with Western classical traditions and opening a scope for Western musicians too to perform Indian classical music by following western staff notation system. His unwavering commitment to music education and intercultural collaboration has inspired a new generation of musicians worldwide.
The 5th Grand Budapest Concert is a testament to IEYO’s enduring impact, uniting diverse talents and captivating a learned European audience with its innovative artistry. IEYO invites music enthusiasts and supporters to join its goal of empowering young musicians and celebrating cultural unity through music.
For auditions, contact: makhalsymphony@gmail.com
GALLERY – 5TH GRAND BUDAPEST CONCERT OF INDO-EUROPEAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA
