We’re thrilled that you’re interested in joining Sabrang!
This is your chance to be part of an extraordinary journey with the only national Indian music choir of its kind in the world. At Sabrang, we offer young musicians in the UK a vibrant and supportive environment to grow, perform, and connect through the rich traditions of Indian Classical music.
2027-28 Membership Application deadline: 15th Jan, 2027
Next audition window: 25th Jan to 19th Feb, 2027
How do I join Sabrang?
We open applications to join in March (for one year membership cycle) each year. We announce the dates primarily via social media (@Milapfest and @Samyo_UK) and of course always have it listed here as well.
Our application process is simple!
1
Membership is by audition, so you’ll first need to fill out a registration form and apply for an audition place. You’ll need to include a link to an audition audio sample file within your application.
2
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to attend an audition, which may be in person or held online depending on your location and times which best suit yourself and our audition team. You’ll need to attend the audition at the agreed time and place. Failure to do so may result in a withdrawal of your audition place.
3
You’ll be notified within 10 working days with an outcome of your audition. If successful, you’ll need to confirm that you’d like to join the orchestra within three working days and arrange to send your membership fee payment within two weeks of receiving our initial email to you. If you are unsuccessful, we can work with you to discuss areas of improvement and together with your parent / guardian / music teacher work out a development plan.
Eligibility
Membership of Sabrang is open to students who:
- Trained vocalists (of any background) who are open to Indian choral music.
- Are between the ages of 12 and up.
- Permanently reside in the UK.
Application Process
Your journey to becoming a Sabrang member starts with a simple application form. Based on your application and audio sample, you’ll be invited to one of our auditions.
Important Dates
Choir Enrolment Application Deadline 2026:
20th March 2026
Choir Audition Dates:
28th March – 17th April 2026 (may be either in person and online )
Audition dates and times will be allocated as we receive and review applications.
2027 Choir Enrolment Application Deadline:
15th January 2027
2027 Choir Auditions: Dates 25th Jan – 19th Feb
If your application passes the first stage, you will be invited for a second audition. Details about the audition process and expectations will be communicated to successful applicants. Auditions will be held online via Zoom / Teams.
APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP YEAR 2026-27 ARE NOW OPEN
For more information, email ensembles@milap.co.uk
FAQs
How much training do I need to have before joining?
We’ve found over the years that students with at least 3-4 years of continuous formal training in any form of Indian classical music (and who are still in training currently) are able to keep up with the pace of learning and development within the orchestra and choir most comfortably.
Do I need to know either Hindustani or Carnatic?
– Formal training in either one of the Indian classical musical formats (Hindustani/Carnatic) is mandatory.
Is there a fee to apply to audition?
– No. The application and audition opportunity are free of cost.
What is the membership fee?
To support the comprehensive benefits of being a ensemble member, including tuition, accommodation, and meals at the Music India Summer School, we ask members to make a financial contribution in the form of Membership Fees (as detailed below). The actual cost of participating in the ensembles exceeds £3,500 per person, excluding the additional costs of music production, administration, and ensemble management. This represents a significant investment in your career development. Thanks to public funding and donations, we are able to subsidize these costs, passing the savings on to you. Membership costs include (but are not limited to): Training with world-class artists, summer residential costs, weekend retreats, rehearsals, compositions, recordings and resources.
The cost of one year membership is Sabrang is £750.
Is there any financial support given towards the membership free?
At Milap, we believe that talented young musicians from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to join our ensembles, regardless of financial circumstances. Membership fees should never be a barrier to participation. We offer financial support through bursaries for musicians who may be unable to cover the cost of membership. Please contact us for more information at ensembles@milap.co.uk
What is my commitment as a member?
Membership of Sabrang is for a period of 12 months during which time there will be:
- One week long summer residential retreat in July (in Liverpool)
- Two weekends ( October and February )
- An annual showcase performance
In addition to the above, you will be required to play your part as an orchestra / choir member and come well-prepared to rehearsals and all training sessions as well as keeping on top of your learning via Milap’s online platform – MilapSpace.
Other incredible benefits of being a Sabrang member:
- Musical development within Sabrang which works in tandem ongoing training with your music teacher outside of Sabrang
- Work with some of the most famous Indian classical musicians in the world! Previous Samyo tutors have included: Bombay Jayashri, Lalgudi GJR Krishnan, Patri Satish Kumar, Shashank, Flute J A Jayanth, Ranajit Sengupta, Rajeeb Chakraborty, Jayanthi Kumaresh, Anil Srinivasan, Tarun Bhattacharya, Abhijit Pohankar, Gaurav Mazumdar, H N Bhaskar, R Prathap, R N Prakash, Jyotsna Srikanth, Manorama Prasad, Dharambir Singh and many many more!
- One year full access subscription to Milap’s soon to be launched online learning platform to supplement and compliment your development within Sabrang as well as ongoing training with your music teacher outside of Sabrang
Be part of the only orchestra of its kind in the world! - Boost your confidence as performer with opportunities to play at top performing arts venues across the country
Through Sabrang, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and engage with other genres of music including jazz, African, Arabic and more. - Be a part of a highly energetic, challenging and motivating learning environment
- Meet other musicians just like you from across the country and make life-long friends!
- Music production experience