Corelli International Music Fest Concludes as a Resounding Artistic and Cultural Success in Rome
The inaugural Corelli International Music Fest (CIMF) has concluded with overwhelming success – leaving behind a profound legacy of artistic growth, cultural exchange, and musical excellence. Held in Rome, Italy from December 27, 2025, to January 3, 2026, CIMF has firmly established itself as a transformative platform for young Indian Western Classical musicians in Europe.
Corelli International Music Fest is a visionary initiative of the Indo-European Youth Orchestra (IEYO), India, in collaboration with Istituto Musicale Corelli, Italy – representing a wonderful cultural bridge between the two nations. The festival stands as a rare and pioneering platform where young Indian Western Classical music learners and performers engage with distinguished European masters for developing playing skills, rare techniques, and gaining treasure of knowledge.
The festival has been created and conceptualized by Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal, renowned Indian conductor and composer – whose work has consistently brought Indian Western Classical young musicians to international platforms. His vision for CIMF — a tailored masterclass program specifically designed for Indian students and performers of Western Classical music is complimented by the artistic support of Maestro Antonello Bucca, Director of Istituto Musicale Corelli in Rome, Italy, whose guidance and institutional vision have been central to shaping CIMF’s masterclass framework. Under the direction of Maestro Antonello Bucca, Corelli Institute’s eminent masters mentored the participants through intensive masterclasses that emphasized refined playing techniques, a deeper understanding of their instruments, comprehensive insight into Western Classical music, and the art of stagecraft. In addition, special workshop sessions were led by Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal on the art of structural practice, and by Maestro Alessandro Viale, a distinguished Italian pianist, composer, and conductor – on vital subjects including musical interpretation, the historical evolution of Western Classical music, and a comprehensive exploration of its development from the modern era through to the contemporary period.
Nine exceptionally talented young and adult musicians – Nidhi Sudhir, Shreya Sharma, Hiranmayi Ram, Vasundhara Ram, Suraj Subramaniam, Karl Peter Verghese, Apratim Nayak, Ranjith David Samuel, and Sudeshna Makhal, selected from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Manchester, took part in immersive masterclasses on Violin, Piano, Classical Guitar, and Cello. The participants are from intermediate to advanced diploma levels, and came from leading music institutes in India, namely, Troika Music School (Mumbai), Musikroots – The Music Academy (Bengaluru), www.musiclesson.in (online music academy) and The Art of Violin (Hyderabad).
Each day of the festival has been anchored by finely structured mentorship from Corelli Institute’s maestros. Beyond technical advancement, the festival fostered artistic confidence, intercultural understanding, and professional maturity. The participants emerged with a deeper awareness of global performance standards, ensemble discipline, and the responsibilities of international musicianship – knowledge that will guide them toward more profound learning of their instrument and a deeper comprehension of Western Classical music.
The festival’s culminating concerts were met with great acclaim. The solo recital evening on 2nd January at Istituto Musicale Corelli highlighted the individuality, discipline, and expressive depth of each participant – reflecting the remarkable progress achieved during the masterclasses.
The Gala Concert was held on 3rd January at the Parish Church of San Romano Martire, marking a majestic evening where the Indo-European Orchestra joined forces with the Orchestra Corelli. The program was conducted with elegance and energy under the baton of Maestro Massimo Murani, Music Director of the Corelli Institute, in the Italian repertoire, while guest conductors Maestro Alessandro Viale and Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal led the performances of the Indian works. The performance was a true celebration of collaboration, culture, and shared sound. The orchestral works Sangram and 1947 Summer of India by Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal resonated deeply, symbolizing the successful integration of Indian musical philosophy within a Western orchestral framework. The concert, conceptualized by Maestro Massimo Munari, was praised for its artistic balance, emotional depth, and collaborative spirit. The applause was humbling, and the emotion palpable.
The Gala Concert on 3rd January was graced by Ms. Lakshmi Swaminathan, First Secretary (Culture), and Mr. Swaminathan Krishnamoorthy, Head of Chancery from the Embassy of India in Rome, Italy as special guests.
Corelli International Music Fest has proven to be far more than a music festival. It stands as a treasure trove of knowledge, exposure, and inspiration for its young musicians – conceived in India, realized in Rome, and built through shared excellence!