Hyderabad International Orchestra and Choral Festival (HIOCF) is envisioned as a vibrant global celebration of music, culture, and artistic exchange, bringing together youth orchestras, choirs, conductors, and musicians from around the world to perform in the heart of India – a civilization with thousands of years of profound musical and cultural heritage. The festival offers international ensembles a rare opportunity not only to present the beauty, discipline, and emotional depth of European classical music to Indian audiences, where Western classical music is steadily growing in appreciation and influence, but also to experience India’s own rich artistic traditions firsthand.

Beyond performances, participating musicians will be introduced to unique cultural experiences specially curated by the festival, including workshops in Yoga, Indian classical music, and traditional artistic practices. By combining world-class orchestral and choral performances with meaningful cultural immersion, the festival aims to create an unforgettable experience that is distinct from conventional orchestra festivals elsewhere in the world – inspiring artistic dialogue, friendship, learning, and cultural connection across continents.

Charminar, Hyderabad | Photo by Jayanth Muppaneni

Hyderabad is one of India’s fastest-growing global cities, known for its rich blend of heritage, technology, culture, and hospitality. Once the seat of powerful dynasties and today a major international center for innovation and education, Hyderabad offers historic architecture, vibrant arts, world-class infrastructure, and a welcoming cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city is especially admired for its cultural diversity, warm people, excellent cuisine, and growing international connectivity, making it an exciting destination for artists and audiences from around the world.

Telangana is one of India’s youngest and most progressive states, recognized for its strong focus on education, culture, technology, and infrastructure development. India, the world’s largest democracy, is a land of extraordinary cultural diversity, artistic heritage, and youthful energy, where ancient traditions and modern global aspirations exist side by side.

Hyderabad | Photo by Michaël Lauwereys

HIOCF Leadership: The Hyderabad International Orchestra and Choral Festival (HIOCF) is A long-cherished vision of internationally acclaimed Indian musician, conductor, educator, and composer Michael Rupam Makhal. He is the elder son of Late, Maestro Ananta Makhal, a widely admired Violinist, music teacher and social worker from Kolkata. Ananta Makhal was a former Conductor of the Calcutta Chamber Orchestra and the Oxford Mission Orchestra.

The Hyderabad International Orchestra and Choral Festival is presented under Indo-European Chamber/Youth Orchestra (IEYO), and organized by Michael Makhal Symphony Orchestra (MMSO), a reputable Indian private organization dedicated to the growth of orchestral and choral music, music education, and international cultural collaboration.

Since its establishment in 2013, MMSO has emerged as one of India’s pioneering organizations dedicated to orchestral performance, music education, and international cultural collaboration. Under the leadership of Michael Rupam Makhal, MMSO created a landmark moment in Indian Western classical music history with the highly successful maiden edition of the Autumn International Music Fest & Masterclasses Hyderabad in 2018, bringing together renowned European maestros and talented Indian musicians for a historic Indo-European orchestral collaboration at the prestigious Ravindra Bharathi Auditorium in Hyderabad.

MMSO further achieved international recognition through the formation of the Indo-European Youth Orchestra (IEYO), widely regarded as the first India-based Western classical and Intercultural youth orchestra to perform in Europe – at the Danube Palace Hall, Hungary in 2019. IEYO continued to perform with its esteemed Grand Budapest Concert series in Hungary from 2022 at distinguished venues with grand success. IEYO has performed at the Embassy of India in Budapest, Hungary for four consecutive years from 2022, including ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. MMSO’s latest unique Masterclass program – the Corelli International Music Fest in Rome, Italy launched in December 2025, provides a platform for Indian students of Western classical music, recognizing their musical strengths and distinct training backgrounds while aligning with international standards.

The Hyderabad International Orchestra and Choral Festival 2027 is an ambitious and deeply meaningful extension of our vision to celebrate our shared global musical traditions while fostering unity, cultural understanding, and lasting friendship through the universal language of music.

Festival Place: Hyderabad, India

Venue: An appropriate venue in Hyderabad (depends on the final number of participation)

Dates: The Hyderabad International Orchestra and Choral Festival 2027 will commence on Tuesday, 30th March at 11:00 AM and continues through a series of rehearsals, workshops and performances during the fest. The Final Gala Concert and Closing Ceremony will take place on Saturday evening of 3rd April, marking the official conclusion of the event.

Workshop: We will offer Yoga sessions and Indian Classical Music workshops with eminent Indian Gurus as part of the program.

Sightseeing: We will arrange one sightseeing (half a day) as part of the program. We will visit iconic places of Hyderabad, namely the Charminar, Golconda Fort (the Old City), and a Hindu Temple. If time permits, we will add the famous Buddha Statue. We may organize an additional sightseeing day with extra charges.

Accommodation: We don’t offer accommodation and lodging services. Hyderabad is a metropolitan city and there are ample options of hotels, hostels and Airbnb. We can recommend hotels closer to the venue once it is finalized.

Application Information

Name of the authorised person:

Name of the orchestra/choir/school/organisation:

Office Address:

Email address:

Orchestra/Choir strength:

Your Message/Note:

Please attach photos and video links of your orchestra/choir along with your website URL.

For enquiry and further information, write to us at makhalsymphony@gmail.com / team@makhalsymphony.in with the above application information.

Note: The contact information collected, will be used exclusively for communicational and official purposes related to the program/fest and within its affiliated associates and parties. This information will not be disclosed to unknown parties. By submitting the form, you acknowledge and agree that you fully understand this policy.

Magical Moments from the Autumn International Music Fest Hyderabad 2018

Terms & Conditions

The Hyderabad International Orchestra and Choral Festival 2027 is planned with great care, but like all international events, it remains subject to unforeseen circumstances such as public health developments (e.g., Coronavirus or similar situations), geopolitical conflicts, or other unpredictable incidents. In rare cases, these may lead to cancellation at short notice. While we will always strive to proceed as scheduled, the organisers cannot be held responsible for cancellations arising from such external factors. We kindly request participants to join only if they fully understand and accept these conditions.

The finalisation of the Festival also depends on achieving the expected number of orchestras, choirs, and participants. Should the minimum requirement not be met, the organisers reserve the right to cancel the event. Participation fees will only be charged once the Festival is officially confirmed, ensuring transparency and fairness for everyone involved.

Any changes or updates to the plan, schedule, or design of the Festival will be made at the sole discretion of the organisers, always with the aim of ensuring the best possible experience for participants.

We respect your privacy. Contact information provided will be used strictly for internal communication and may only be shared with associated partners directly involved in the Festival.

Further details will be shared with you once the Festival is finalised, and if your submission aligns with the participation requirements.