Chennai, September 2026: ITC Grand Chola recently curated Utsav Lal’s Ragas to Reels: An Indo-Irish Musical Confluence, an evocative evening of musical collaboration that brought together acclaimed Indian pianist and composer Utsav Lal, celebrated Irish musician Cleek Schrey, acclaimed flautist and saxophonist Sam Comerford, and renowned tabla virtuoso Zuheb Ahmed Khan.
Presented as part of the wider India tour supported by Culture Ireland and Team Ireland in India, the performance brought together music lovers, cultural patrons, diplomatic representatives and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating artistic dialogue between India and Ireland.
Recognised internationally for his pioneering work in reimagining Hindustani classical music on the piano, Utsav Lal led audiences through a captivating musical journey that seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with Irish musical influences. Joined by Cleek Schrey’s distinctive fiddle, Sam Comerford’s contemporary interpretations on flute and saxophone, and Zuheb Ahmed Khan’s intricate tabla accompaniment, the ensemble delivered a performance marked by creativity, spontaneity and virtuosity.
The evening reflected a shared appreciation for cultural exchange, bringing together diverse musical traditions in a manner that was both authentic and contemporary. The performance was warmly received by guests, who experienced a rich interplay of sounds, stories and artistic traditions from two distinct yet complementary cultures.
Following the concert, guests continued the celebrations with a specially curated culinary experience by the chefs of ITC Grand Chola. Mirroring the spirit of exploration and cultural exchange experienced through the performance, the menu featured an eclectic spread of reimagined global favourites alongside signature dishes from the hotel’s award-winning dining destinations.
A highlight of the evening was “Manoj’s Special,” where Chef Manoj presented dishes inspired by his personal culinary journey and experiences across diverse cuisines and regions. The dinner was further complemented by a selection of hero dishes from ITC Grand Chola’s acclaimed restaurants, offering guests an opportunity to savour the breadth and diversity of the hotel’s celebrated culinary repertoire.
The event underscored ITC Grand Chola’s commitment to curating meaningful experiences that bring together culture, creativity and hospitality, creating memorable moments that resonate well beyond the stage.
