ON Stage is the cultural magazine of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, and features authoritative stories on the performing arts.
Music of India
Mohammed Rafi's unmatched artistry defined the golden era of Hindi film music. From soulful ballads to playful serenades, his timeless voice transcended generations, embodying versatility, dedication, and an unparalleled connection with music and cinema.
Music of India
The Citi NCPA Aadi Anant festival celebrates the guru-shishya tradition with a Sarod Quintet concert featuring Amjad Ali Khan, his sons, and grandsons—a legacy of Indian classical music spanning three generations.
Interviews
Classical pianist Olga Kern, a Russia-born American virtuoso, shares her rich musical lineage, the joy of performing, and her upcoming Rachmaninoff-dedicated programme at the NCPA in this exclusive ON Stage interview.
Know Your Composer
From black-and-white Hindi films to video games to immersive audiovisual art exhibitions, one does not need to work too hard to find the music of the great Austrian composer.
News
Martyn Brabbins has been appointed Chief Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of India, beginning January 2026. His tenure, coinciding with the orchestra's 20th anniversary, promises to elevate its artistic development and global presence.
Music of India
An ingenious performer of the Lucknow gharana of Kathak, Rani Khanam’s art has risen to its exalted state through introspection and the courage of her convictions. Ahead of her performance at the NCPA, she discusses her life’s work and her thoughts on art, faith and identity.
Throwback Thursday
From sports to classical music and jazz, from aviation to architecture, and an abiding love for animals, the wide-ranging interests of Mr. Ratan N. Tata and his support for the same, speak of a man of compassion and fine taste.
Interviews
Ahead of his concerts at the NCPA, the distinguished classical pianist Peter Donohoe talks to ON Stage about how the piano became his instrument of choice, what concert-giving is all about and the works he is looking forward to performing in India.
News
The SOI Chamber Orchestra's performances in Bengaluru showcased their exceptional talent, blending classical and jazz. Young prodigy Ayaan Deshpande captivated audiences with his Mozart interpretation, leaving a lasting impression on music lovers in the city.
Interviews
In an exclusive interview, Plácido Domingo reflects on his journey as an opera icon, his passion for nurturing young talent through Operalia, and the significance of bringing the prestigious competition to Mumbai.
Interviews
Of the 32 singers who have recently made it to the quarterfinals of Operalia 2024 to be held in Mumbai, we speak to two with roots in India. The excitement is palpable as the NCPA comes close to hosting the renowned Operalia competition for the first time in India. The
Know Your Composer
Starting in 1886 with the symphonic fantasy Aus Italien, Richard Strauss composed a series of programmatic orchestral works—Don Juan (1888-89), Tod und Verklärung (also 1888-89), Macbeth (1888-1891), Till Eulenspiegel (1894-95), Also sprach Zarathustra (1896), Don Quixote (1897), Ein Heldenleben (1897- 98), Symphonia Domestica (1902-03) andEine Alpensinfonie (1911-15)—of which
