Milapfest welcomed Darren Henley, the Chief Executive of Arts Council England, to our Indika festival this year. Whilst he was here, he had the honour of inaugurating our brand new CD and Book – Great British Gharana, which features the creative journeys of a number of musicians who have been a part of Milapfest’s ensembles over recent years.

The Great British Gharana, a concept coined by Milapfest in 2011, suggests that a style and approach to Indian Classical Music exists that is unique to this country, and has created music and individuals that are distinct to Britain. This book tells the story of a series of young artists whose talent and ambitions have been nurtured in a unique way which has allowed them to become the role models and examples they are today. Their stories are inspirational, unprecedented and fascinating, and are just a small part of the new hybrid identity of the South Asian diaspora around the world.

Since 1985, Milapfest has supported the development of Indian performing artists and, in particular, young musicians who have been members of our national ensembles, Samyo and Tarang, who have had the opportunity to follow a career pathway, from junior professional level – a path which has led to many of them are exploring a life in music today. The GBG series includes publications and recordings that tell the story of how an ancient and important global tradition has traveled and taken root away from its home.