The Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), the country’s only full-time professional orchestra, proudly announces its Autumn 2025 Season, taking place from 12th to 26th August at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), with support from SOI patron, Citi.

This vibrant season offers an enriching journey through landmark orchestral works and features acclaimed conductor Martyn Brabbins alongside SOI co-founder and resident violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliev. It also marks the SOI debuts of celebrated conductor Andrew Litton and internationally renowned pianist Konstantin Scherbakov.

The Season opens on the 12th of August with Andrew Litton, Music Director of the New York City Ballet, leading the SOI in a powerful programme that begins with one of the most beautiful and acclaimed works in Wagner’s writings, the Prelude and Liebestod from the epic opera Tristan und Isolde, a depiction of love as an overwhelming, transformative force that transcends life itself. Symphony No. 5 is undoubtedly one of Mahler’s most famous work and his first purely instrumental symphony written during the summer of 1901-02, a time when the composer experienced some of the greatest highs and lows of his lifetime. A monumental work that captures the essence of hope, grief and triumph.

Maestro Litton continues to lead the SOI in his second concert on 17^th August, sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed pianist, Konstantin Scherbakov. Originally conceived as a ballet in 1928, Ravel’s most iconic and hypnotic work – Boléro – is a mesmerising journey of sound exploration celebrated for its masterful orchestration. One of the most beloved and frequently performed works in Tchaikovsky’s repertoire, his first piano concerto in B-flat minor, Op. 23 blends Russian character with emotional intensity, fiery energy and triumphant spirit. The evening concludes with one of Stravinsky’s most brilliant and evocative works – Firebird Suite, K010 (1945 Version), which brings myth and magic to life with dazzling sound and colour.

The baton then passes to Martyn Brabbins, one of Britain’s foremost conductors, who is also set to take the role of the SOI’s Chief Conductor from January 2026. He returns to conduct the SOI on 22nd August with a spectacular programme that begins with Rimsky-Korsakov’s beloved Scheherazade, a lush, vivid retelling of the tales from One Thousand and One Nights. The evening concludes with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, a deeply personal and politically charged work that stands as a testament to the human spirit in times of adversity.

The SOI Autumn 2025 Season closes on 26th August with a grand finale conducted by Brabbins, joined by Marat Bisengaliev, performing the ever-popular Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major – considered unplayable at the time of its composition in view of probable technical challenges. The evening opens with Elgar’s vibrant Cockaigne Overture (In London Town) and concludes with stirring excerpts from Prokofiev’s adaptation of the Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy – Romeo and Juliet, an evocative and dramatic orchestral work of the 20th century.

Khushroo N. Suntook, Chairman of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and Co-founder of SOI, expressed his enthusiasm, “The SOI Autumn 2025 Season promises to be an inspiring chapter in the journey of the orchestra. With the debut of acclaimed international artistes and a repertoire of globally admired compositions, this Season reflects our continued commitment to deliver world-class quality. The orchestra has consistently evolved, performing alongside renowned musicians from across the world and meeting international standards. We look forward to welcoming audiences from across India to experience an orchestral celebration that remains unmatched in the country.”

The SOI continues to lead the evolution of orchestral music in India, presenting world-class performances and showcasing some of the finest works by international and Indian talent alike. With the continued support of partners like Citi and the vision of the NCPA Chairman Mr. Suntook and his team, the Autumn 2025 Season reaffirms SOI’s commitment to excellence and innovation in western classical music.

Season Schedule: