Kuala Lumpur will once again take centre stage in the global arts landscape as the Malaysia International Carnatic Music Festival 2026 (MYICMF 2026) returns from April 24-26, and among the starry highlights of the event will be Malaysian acting and singing legend P. Ramlee's mini showcase in Carnatic style.
The three-day event will be held at the at MaTiC Kuala Lumpur, bringing together internationally acclaimed musicians, emerging Malaysian talents, and diverse communities in a celebration of music, identity, and cultural connection.
Now in its eighth edition, MYICMF has evolved beyond a traditional music festival into a platform for intercultural dialogue, youth development, and community engagement, attracting participation from over 45 countries.
Besides the P. Ramlee mini showcase, the main highlight of the event is the live performance by acclaimed Carnatic singer Sandeep Narayan from India. Sandeep Narayan is a celebrated Carnatic vocalist known for his soulful renditions and captivating performances. Blending tradition with innovation, he showcases a rare mastery over ragas, improvisation, and expression.
Besides Sandeep, the other stars for the festival are Neyveli Santhanagopalan and Shankar Santhanagopalan, who will be joined by S. Varadarajan, Neyveli B. Venkatesh, and Anirudh Athreya, all acclaimed names in this music field and ready to add the starry shine for the festival.
"This festival is designed deliberately—to ensure that while we present world-class performances, we also open our doors to the public, especially young people and communities who may not otherwise have access to such experiences. Our goal is simple but powerful: to nurture not just great artists, but culturally grounded individuals who will become future leaders of a more connected and harmonious Malaysia.”
The MYICMF 2026 main aim is also to showcase:
* A global arts platform rooted in Southeast Asia
* A Malaysian-led cultural diplomacy initiative
* A community-driven festival with public access (Free programmes)
* A premium artistic platform featuring world-class performances
* A movement shaping future cultural leaders
MYICMF 2026 is intentionally designed to be inclusive and accessible, offering a blend of: free programmes open to the public and Ticketed premium concerts featuring leading artistes. This dual structure ensures that the festival not only celebrates excellence but also democratises access to the arts, allowing wider community participation.
Programme Highlights
Day 1 – April 24
* Sembang Budaya: Inter-Ethnic Dialogue in Malaysia (free): A timely cultural forum addressing unity, identity, and coexistence in Malaysia’s diverse landscape.
Day 2 – April 25
* Carnatic Keyboard Concert
* Youth Forum
* Sunset Showcase @ Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur (Devi’s Corner) (Ticketed): An intimate curated evening experience blending music and ambiance.
* EPIC Choir Malaysia featuring Neyveli Santhanagopalan (Ticketed): A landmark performance highlighting Malaysian talent under the mentorship of a
renowned Carnatic maestro.
Day 3 – April 26
* Panorama of Music & Dance
* Winners Showcase – MYICMF Competitions
* Grand Finale: Sandeep Narayan Live in Concert (Ticketed): An international showcase featuring one of the leading voices in contemporary Carnatic music.
For the record, MYICMF creates impact by using Arts as a tool for unity in Malaysia’s current social climate; Youth empowerment through cultural education; Malaysia as a regional arts and culture hub; Revival and modernisation of classical traditions; and bridging traditional Indian arts with Malaysian identity as the festival positions the arts as a tool for unity, leadership, and social cohesion.
Tickets & Information: www.ticketmelon.com/sugam/myicmf26
Contact: myicmf@sugam.org / Website: www.myicmf.org
