Sun Nov 30 10:07:44 UTC 2025: Summary:
The 99th annual Chennai Music Academy music festival, a prestigious event in Carnatic music, will be inaugurated on December 15, 2025, by renowned music composer and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman. The decision to invite Rahman reflects the Academy’s recognition of his wide musical knowledge, including Carnatic music, and his significant contributions to global music. The event will also mark the election of R.K. Shriramkumar as the president of the annual conferences and concerts. The festival coincides with the 250th anniversary of Muthuswami Dikshitar, a prominent figure in Carnatic music. The Academy has been historically engaged in discussions about the role and impact of film music, acknowledging its widespread influence. Rahman’s integration of Indian classical music with contemporary styles and his global reach make him a fitting choice to inaugurate the festival.
News Article:
A.R. Rahman to Inaugurate Chennai Music Academy’s 99th Annual Festival
CHENNAI (November 30, 2025) – Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman will inaugurate the 99th annual music festival of the Chennai Music Academy on December 15, 2025, the Academy announced today. The decision to invite Rahman reflects the Academy’s recognition of his vast musical expertise and significant global impact, particularly his blending of Carnatic music with contemporary styles.
“He is an icon of music,” said N. Murali, president of the Music Academy. “We decided to invite him because he is a renowned music composer and Oscar Award winner. He has knowledge across a wide range of music, including Carnatic music.”
The inauguration will coincide with the election of R.K. Shriramkumar, an authority on Muthuswami Dikshitar’s compositions, as president of the annual conferences and concerts. This year’s festival also commemorates the 250th anniversary of Dikshitar, one of the revered “Trinity” of Carnatic music.
The Music Academy has long grappled with the influence of film music, recognizing its growing dominance in India. Director and cinematographer Rajiv Menon praised Rahman’s selection, noting his ability to integrate Indian classical music with folk, Sufi, and Western elements. “Rahman made Indian popular music a pan-Indian phenomenon. He has stayed relevant for more than 30 years…He is both a student and a teacher, and his music school continues to train scores of aspiring musicians,” Menon said.
The festival promises to be a celebration of both tradition and innovation, with Rahman’s presence highlighting the evolving landscape of Indian music on a global stage.
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