Milap are back with a brand new summer season showcasing some of the finest Indian Classical music and Indo-Jazz across Liverpool’s city region.
To launch this special programme, one of the leading Carnatic flautists of his generation will return to Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room on Thursday 25 June, offering an immersive journey through Indian Classical Music. J.A.Jayant is not only a flautist, but a collaborator, educator, and composer who’s been popularising the art of flute playing on a global scale since he was 7 years old. Celebrated for his rich tone, lyrical expression and imaginative improvisation, his Liverpool performance will offer audiences the opportunity to experience Jayant’s melody and rhythm unfold with elegance, intensity and spontaneity for what’s set to be a magical night.
Jayant will be joined by two outstanding percussionists: RN Prakash and Kousic Sen.
RN Prakash is a highly respected mridangam artist known for his intricacy, flair and sensitive accompaniment; his deep understanding of Carnatic music brings a vibrant dimension to his musical collaborations.
Kousic Sen is an acclaimed tabla player, recognised for his dynamic solo and collaborative work that’s seen him perform in some of the world’s most prestigious venues alongside leading musicians, bringing fresh life and energy to traditional tabla playing.
Together, they will reach new heights with their musical delights, showcasing the depth, virtuosity and expressive power of Indian classical music.
The following night, again at the Philharmonic’s Music Room, Ranjana Ghatak presents Songs of The Luminous Heart on Friday 26 June. Bringing together an exceptional array of artists in a richly textured, genre-defying collaboration, the performance will showcase a luminous meeting of Indian and European classical and folk traditions, drawing on the emotive vocal forms of thumri and bhajan, alongside the mystical writings of Mirabai and Hildegard of Bingen.
Renowned Indian vocalist and composer, Ranjana Ghatak will explore shared spiritual and musical threads across cultures. With a unique voice bringing “…a trancelike, soulful incantation of meditative magic” Ranjana will be joined by the extraordinary Céline Saout on the harp. Known for her genre-defying collaborations and luminous sound, Céline brings a distinct dimension to this unique performance.
Kirpal Singh Panesar will also bring his soulful mastery of the esraj, with his performances beautifully reflecting the rich heritage of Indian classical music. Accompanying Kirpal will be Harkiret Singh Bahra, a renowned tabla player with an innovative approach and unique energy. Following an acclaimed performance at St George’s Festival of the Voice—described by audiences as “enthralling, stimulating, sublime”—this concert offers a rare and deeply moving musical experience.
Closing Milap’s Summer Season, expect a spellbinding journey through euphoric jazz, thundering funk, cosmic improvisation and intoxicating grooves over the water at Birkenhead’s Future Yard, as boundary-pushing bassist Shez Raja and visionary guitarist Guthrie Govan unite once again for another exhilarating show on Friday 24th July.
Voted one of the “Hottest Bass Players in the World” by Bass Player magazine, British-Asian bass extraordinaire Shez Raja is an electrifying performer renowned for his live energy shows, who has drawn comparisons to Jaco Pastorius. Playing a fusion of Indo-jazz, funk and groove, he has collaborated with icons including Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Wayne Krantz and Trilok Gurtu.
Joining Shez is UK guitar master Guthrie Govan, famed for his virtuosic technique in The Aristocrats and his work with Hans Zimmer. Guthrie has been voted “Guitarist of the Year” by Guitarist magazine, graced the covers of Guitar Player and Guitar World and has earned his place as guitar royalty on the world stage.
Completing this stellar line-up are long-time collaborators Chris Jerome (Courtney Pine) on keyboards and Sophie Alloway – dubbed the ‘Goddess of Groove’ by Jazz FM – on drums.
All Tickets to upcoming Milap shows can be found here: milap.co.uk/experience/summer-season-2026/.
