Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal, is an Educator, Western Classical Violinist, Conductor, and Composer hailing from India. He holds an Associate title from the London College of Music – University of West London in Music Literacy (Music Composition). Born into a musical haven in Kolkata, Michael’s journey was inspired by his father, Ananta Makhal, a revered Educationist, Social Worker, Violinist, and Conductor of the Calcutta Chamber Orchestra and Oxford Mission School Orchestra.
Harmonizing the Stage: For over 15 years, Michael has been the heartbeat of his symphonic orchestra, enchanting audiences at prestigious public and private events. He’s a passionate educator who champions the power of music education for all ages, turning every note into a lesson.
Global Symphony: Michael is one of the rare Indian conductors who graces European stages, with his compositions resonating across the US, UK, Hungary, Italy, and India. Renowned for his Indian Raga-infused orchestral pieces, his music has illuminated major festivals and concerts. Among his masterpieces, ‘Sangram’ was a highlight at the Luci Della Ribalta International Festival in Italy in 2023, performed by the festival orchestra. His forte lies in crafting ensemble pieces for solo and chamber orchestras.
Shaping Symphonies and Breaking Barriers
A New Musical Odyssey: In 2018, Maestro Michael Rupam Makhal embarked on a groundbreaking journey by founding the Indo-European Youth/Chamber Orchestra (IEYO). This ensemble is one of India’s pioneering Western Classical and Intercultural Music Orchestras to perform in Europe. Under his baton, they created history in Budapest, Hungary, with a remarkable performance at the Danube Palace on 18th August 2019. The orchestra continued its success with concerts at the Festetics Palace, and also, at the Amrita Sher-gil Cultural Centre (ASCC) – The Embassy of India in Budapest in 2022, under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The saga has been continuing with the Grand Budapest Concert annual series with IEYO at the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungary in 2023 and 2024. These concerts see several young and professional musicians from India, the US, and the UK performing Indian and European music before a packed hall of learned audiences. An important driving force behind these harmonious achievements is the Program Director and Co-founder, Sudeshna Makhal, who is also a talented Cello student and Michael’s wife.
A Global Composer: Michael Makhal stands among the elite few Indian Raga-based orchestral music composers whose music resonates with international orchestras and artists. His unique compositions blend Indian Raaga and traditional folk styles with Western Classical orchestral arrangements. A landmark piece, ‘1947 Summer of India’ for Cello Solo and String Orchestra, performed at Italy’s 8th Luci Della Ribalta International Festival in 2018. This was the first time an Indian composer’s work graced the Italian festival stage. His composition ‘Ancient India’ premiered at the prestigious Bob Jones University in the USA, while several of his original pieces have been celebrated at the Grand Budapest Concerts and with the Indo-European Youth Orchestra.
In His Own Words: Reflecting on ‘1947 Summer of India,’ Michael shared, “The piece is partially based on the structure of Raag Bhoopali and captures the essence of Free India and the joyful atmosphere of 1947. It’s rare for Indian folk-styled music to be composed for Western Classical orchestras. My mission is to make Indian Classical music accessible to Western musicians, enabling them to perform it with the same ease as they do their classical music.”
Milestones and Memories: Michael’s journey as a Western Classical Music Composer reached a significant milestone when he represented the Indian Commission at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Scokendia Ensemble selected him through an international contest to compose ‘The Spirit of India,’ which premiered at the esteemed Stevenson Hall in Glasgow on 25th July 2014.
Echoes of the Past: Michael’s musical voyage began with his first concert at age 11 in a Calcutta Church, and by age 15, he debuted as a soloist with Vivaldi’s concerto for two violins in A Minor. At 17, he became the youngest member of the prestigious Delhi Symphony Orchestra. His performances with orchestras like the East-West Orchestra, Mathieson Music School Orchestra, Bangalore School of Music Orchestra, and Calcutta School of Music Orchestra, along with the Opera Concert ‘The Fakir of Benaras’ by the Neemrana Music Foundation, highlighted his early career. Representing India at the Asia Orchestra Week in Tokyo in 2007, he performed with the Indo-Sri Lanka Goodwill Orchestra at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, conducted by Maestro Hikotaro Yazaki.
Orchestral Innovations: In 2012, Michael formed the Michael Makhal Symphony Orchestra, a trailblazing ensemble for public and private events in India and abroad. His vision is to make Western Classical Music accessible to the common people of India, believing that Indian audiences have a sophisticated musical sensibility and can embrace diverse musical traditions.
A Cinematic Touch: Michael’s foray into film music includes scoring for Jennifer Alphonse’s short film ‘Strangerssss,’ which premiered at Cannes in 2014. Starring Pitobash Tripathy, the film has garnered numerous national and international accolades.
A World of Inspiration: An avid traveler, Michael often journeys with his wife Sudeshna, drawing inspiration from the world’s vast tapestry to influence his musical creations.
