Peace Notes

The South Asian Symphony Orchestra (SASO) returns to Bengaluru on November 29, 2025, at the Prestige Centre for the Performing Arts, for an unforgettable evening built around one of humanity’s most powerful musical statements—Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. The concert will be conducted by Alvin Arumugam.
 
With its soaring and instantly recognizable “Ode to Joy,” Beethoven’s Ninth is universally recognised as an anthem of unity, brotherhood, hope—values that are central to the South Asian Symphony Foundation’s mission to build peace and cultural dialogue through the language of music. This performance brings that vision to life with over 120 musicians on stage, including choirs from both Bengaluru and Chennai.
 
The concert also celebrates the centenary of Indian cinema icon Raj Kapoor, through newly-commissioned arrangements of some of his timeless melodies, honouring his artistic legacy and influence—a reminder that shared cultural memory can form a powerful bridge across borders and generations.
 
About the South Asian Symphony Foundation
The South Asian Symphony Foundation (SASF) was founded by Ambassador Nirupama Menon Rao with the aim of promoting greater cultural integration for the cause of peace in our region of South Asia, through the medium of music and the creation of a South Asian Symphony Orchestra. The inspiration comes from Ambassador Rao’s years in diplomacy and what she saw as a felt need for providing a platform to promote more dialogue, cultural synergy, and friendly understanding among the youth of the eight countries in South Asia, including India.

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Programme Includes

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony,
and the timeless melodies of Raj Kapoor