"An uplifting crescendo of music and dance."
Milap has unveiled a new programme for Autumn 2026, featuring Sonia Sabri and Roopa Panesar.
Milap continues to pave the way for Indian live music and dance in Liverpool this Autumn, announcing a fresh roster of incredible artists for their upcoming season.
The season kicks off on October 7, with Milap’s own ensemble Tarang presenting bespoke arrangements of new contemporary Indian music, as part of The Tung Auditorium’s lunchtime concert series.
A featured performance comes on October 9 when Sonia Sabri performs at Unity Theatre, taking audiences on a journey that combines Kathak dance with soulful Indian music, illuminated by candlelight.
The award-winning dancer and choreographer began her career as a tutor for Milap’s flagship Dance India programme before becoming an internationally recognised Kathak dancer and choreographer.
Known for her precision and technique, Sonia was an associate choreographer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
In 2025, she received an MBE for her services to dance.
Sonia will be bringing her new work ‘NIDA’ to Liverpool.
The production uses wordless storytelling, beatboxing, intricate rhythms, mime and percussive dance to explore themes of escapism from the pressures of everyday life.
The performance will feature live Santoor music, an instrument known for its distinctive and hypnotic sound, creating an immersive combination of Indian music and movement.
Dance Europe described the performance:
“Such an incredible musicality, it was impossible not to gaze in wonder and adoration. An uplifting crescendo of music and dance.”
Milap’s Autumn 2026 programme will conclude with sitar player Roopa Panesar at The Tung Auditorium on November 27.
Roopa is regarded as one of the finest sitar players to emerge from the UK and is known for combining emotional depth and technical skill with influences from jazz and Western classical music.
She has performed at major venues and festivals including London’s Barbican, Darbar Festival and APAP in New York.
Her recent album ATMA (The Soul) has also received critical acclaim and further established her reputation within the British Asian music scene.
For the Liverpool performance, Roopa Panesar will be joined by Kousic Sen, continuing a musical partnership that dates back to 2011.
Milap produced Roopa’s debut album, Khoj, that year, with Kousic Sen providing accompaniment on the recording.
The collaboration has since continued to develop, with the pair performing together on stages around the world.
The Autumn 2026 season will therefore bring together established British Asian artists, Indian classical traditions and contemporary influences across two performances in Liverpool.
Full Programme
Tarang: New Contemporary Indian Music
Wednesday, October 7, 1 pm at The Tung Auditorium
NIDA by Sonia Sabri Dance Company
Friday, October 9, 7:30 pm at Unity Theatre
Sandip Chatterjee & Kousic Sen
Friday, October 30, 7:30 pm at Philharmonic Music Room
Roopa Panesar & Kousic Sen
Friday, November 27, 7:30 pm at The Tung Auditorium
Milap is the UK’s leading Indian arts and culture company, based in Liverpool and Merseyside. Established in 1985, it marked 40 years of work in 2025.
The organisation delivers a year-round programme across Liverpool and London. It also works nationally and internationally to inspire, educate and engage audiences.
Milap is the founder of the National Indian Arts Awards. The initiative recognises individuals and organisations across the UK supporting access to Indian arts.
Further information about the Autumn 2026 programme is available.
