Since inception, the NCPA has aimed to excel in all forms of the performing arts. The wide umbrella of International Music at the NCPA includes programmes spanning Pop, Soul, Funk, R&B, Jazz, Classic Rock, EDM, Indie Rock, Fusion, Country and World Music genres – the driving force behind the curation being to bring the best of diverse international music to India.

This meticulous curation and concerted efforts towards bringing the finest international musicians to India has, in fact, played its part in fostering a strong community in Mumbai. As a result, the current programming by the International Music genre at the NCPA is a vibrant mix of artistes from India and across the world, attracting audiences beyond Mumbai.

In the NCPA’s 50th year alone, the genre has showcased artistes such as the Gipsy Kings featuring Grammy-Award Winner Andre Reyes, Jacob Collier (Four-Time Grammy Award Winner), Mud Morganfield and iconic trumpeter, Arturo Sandoval (Ten-Time Grammy Award Winner, Six-time Billboard Award Winner and Emmy Award Recipient).

Every November, the department brings together the most prevalent musicians in the jazz scene from all around the world to the NCPA International Jazz Season, some of the most recent highlights being performances by Camille Thurman, part of the world renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis; the New York Round Midnight Orchestra, one of Europe’s leading jazz ensembles; and the Grammy Award-winning quintet, New York City’s Mingus Dynasty. Over the decades, the biggest names in jazz have performed at the NCPA such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, George Duke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau, Bob James, Stephane Wrembel, and Ravi Coltrane to name a few.

Other properties at the NCPA include Jazz@NCPA; NCPA Legends, which features tribute concerts to iconic artistes who have shaped their respective genres; International Jazz Day, a celebration of jazz around the world; Secret Garden, an evening of versatile musical sets in a garden overlooking the sea, giving an outdoor ‘jazz/blues club’ feel; Converging Streams, a blend of styles such as Indian Carnatic Music and Western and Latin musical styles; and Wunderkinds, a platform for young musicians to gain exposure by performing widespread musical styles and vocalese such as Funk, R&B, Latin, Pop, Rock and Jazz.