The Music Academy

The Music Academy, Madras is a landmark institution in the history of the fine arts of India. Founded in 1928, and located in the southern metropolis of Chennai (formerly Madras) it was an outcome of a music conference that was held in conjunction with the All India Congress Session in Madras city the previous year. It was conceived to be the institution that would set the standard for Carnatic music, the classical music form of South India. In the process, it began in 1929 the practice of hosting annual conferences on music, which in turn spawned the December music festival of Madras, now acclaimed as one of the largest cultural events of the world – over 60 organisations stage 2000 performances between mid November and early January, all showcasing the classical arts, and entirely funded and supported by private initiative. Recognised as a cultural icon of India, the Music Academy’s functioning has, in its 87 years of existence, been entirely through voluntary effort. This app aims to showcase its history even as it familiarises you with the institution’s features, profile and events.