About the Music Circle

The Music Circle has been the leading force in bringing the finest Indian classical music and dance to Southern California since it was founded by Ravi Shankar and Harihar Rao in 1973.

Our goal is to present the best of the performing arts of India through concerts of established and emerging artists in intimate settings reminiscent of such groups in India.

A typical season presents six to twelve concerts between September and July, and includes performances by the great masters as well as lesser known but very talented younger artists. In addition to our regular concert series, we have festivals lasting for a full day (or more) featuring performances by many prominent artists.

Artists performing at the Music Circle appreciate the responsive and peaceful atmosphere as well as the freedom to develop the music without the usual time limitations. Inspired to their best efforts, the artists reward an enthusiastic audience with concerts of a richness and breadth not often heard in the more restrictive settings of large auditoriums.

Educational programs are a foundation for the future. We are committed to sharing India's great musical gifts with our community through collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and through extensive education programs to Southern California schools.

The Music Circle builds bridges to other Asian and non-Asian cultures through presentation of Indian and related Asian arts to audiences around Southern California.

As the oldest organization dedicated to Indian classical performing arts in the United States, the Music Circle shares its extensive expertise with scholars, artists and audiences through concerts, festivals and special events.

Volunteers make our programs possible. Volunteers assist with many aspects of production, administration, and community outreach.

The Music Circle is a California nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.