The Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) enters its third decade with a season of exceptional ambition and international stature, celebrating 20 years of artistic excellence with its Spring 2026 Season.

Marking both, a significant milestone and a moment of renewal, the season, anchored by the debut of Martyn Brabbins as Chief Conductor, ushers in a new artistic chapter for India’s only full-time professional orchestra. The four-concert season will be held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, from 7 to 21 February 2026.

Founded by the NCPA Chairman Khushroo N. Suntook and acclaimed violinist Marat Bisengaliev, with the vision of building a world-class symphony orchestra in India, the SOI has grown into the country’s only full-time professional orchestra. It has continued its many endeavours in reshaping India’s Western classical music landscape through sustained artistic excellence, international collaboration, and a long-term commitment to cultural development. The SOI Spring 2026 Season reflects this remarkable journey honouring two decades of achievement while looking ahead with confidence, purpose, and creative ambition.

Martyn Brabbins, long admired by the orchestra and Mumbai audiences alike, assumes the role of Chief Conductor at a moment of renewed artistic momentum for the SOI. His appointment has attracted international attention, with noted commentator Norman Lebrecht describing it as “some coup” when Brabbins accepted the position following his tenure as Music Director of the English National Opera (ENO).

Season Highlights

Brabbins inaugurates the Spring 2026 Season on Saturday 7 February with Mussorgsky’s Prelude to Khovanshchina, followed by Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and the concert concludes with The Planets, Holst’s dazzling orchestral suite, before returning to the NCPA on Thursday 12 February for a programme featuring Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with Dame Sarah Connolly, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10. Referred as ‘master of the operatic craft’ among musicians and audiences alike, celebrated conductor Carlo Rizzi joins the orchestra the following week. On Tuesday 17 February, he conducts Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. His second performance, on Saturday 21 February, brings together orchestral works by Rossini and Puccini, songs by Tosti and Cardillo with tenor Davide Giusti, the Prelude to Act III from Wagner’s Lohengrin, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

The Spring 2026 Season launches the SOI’s Beethoven Symphony Cycle. Beginning with Symphony No. 1 and Symphony No. 5 this Season, the cycle will present 9 symphonies over a two-yearperiod, celebrating an enduring repertoire that continues to define orchestral excellence.

Adding further distinction to the anniversary season is the presence of historian, cultural commentator, broadcaster, and award-winning novelist Norman Lebrecht at the NCPA. Offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in classical music discourse, Lebrecht will be conducting two talks on the topics ‘Why we need Orchestras: How an Orchestra defines a city’ and ‘Why Beethoven’ on the 6^th and the 16^th of February respectively.

Reflecting on this milestone, Khushroo N. Suntook, Chairman of the National Centre for the Performing Arts and Co-founder of the Symphony Orchestra of India, said: “The Symphony Orchestra of India was born in 2006 and those of you who have watched and helped it grow as supporters, patrons, advisors and listeners will perhaps agree that the SOI is not just an ensemble but the culmination of the endeavours of many passionate individuals and groups before us who contributed towards giving Western classical music its due in India. 20 years later, the SOI, with an increasing number of Indian players in it, remains the country’s only full professional symphony orchestra.

Our audiences have had the pleasure of watching the renowned British maestro Martyn Brabbins conduct the SOI since 2016. We are now delighted to have him as our Chief Conductor starting this season. The distinguished Italian maestro Carlo Rizzi, who conducts at La Scala and the Met and led a production of La Bohème at the NCPA, returns this season. For our anniversary season, we also have the pleasure of welcoming celebrated British music journalist, author and broadcaster Norman Lebrecht who will conduct talks on two pertinent topics.”

As the Symphony Orchestra of India celebrates two decades of momentous journey, the Spring 2026 Season stands as a defining moment affirming SOI’s place on the global classical music map while continuing to inspire the next generation of musicians and audience alike.

SOI Spring 2026 Season schedule: