As the world increasingly seeks authentic cultural experiences, Nepal’s rich musical heritage
continues to find its place on prestigious international stages. Among the country's finest
cultural ambassadors stands Sukarma, Nepal's pioneering folk-classical ensemble, which is
once again embarking on its 2026 European Concert Tour (2–25 August) to showcase the
timeless beauty of Nepali instrumental music and the universal message of peace and
harmony.
For nearly three decades, Sukarma has demonstrated that music transcends borders,
languages, religions and politics. Through the harmonious blend of classical ragas,
indigenous folk melodies and contemporary world music, the ensemble has become one of
Nepal's most celebrated cultural institutions.
More Than Music: A Living Heritage
While Nepal's majestic mountains, temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are
internationally renowned, its musical traditions remain one of the nation's most profound yet
underappreciated treasures. Sukarma has dedicated itself to preserving and promoting these
traditions since its establishment in 1997.
Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "good deeds," Sukarma regards music not merely
as performance but as a lifelong spiritual pursuit—a medium for cultivating peace,
compassion and cultural understanding. The ensemble has consistently remained faithful to
the rich traditions of South Asian classical music while embracing innovation through the
fusion of Nepal's diverse folk traditions.
Renowned Nepali scholar Professor Abhi Subedi once aptly described Sukarma's musicians
as "a walking museum," reflecting their remarkable role in preserving centuries-old musical
traditions while presenting them in contemporary forms for global audiences.
Over the years, Sukarma has released more than fifteen acclaimed audio and visual albums
and has performed before thousands of audiences across Asia, Europe and North America.
The Artists Behind the Journey
Leading the ensemble is Prof. Dr. Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi, Nepal's first musician to earn
a PhD in Music from the University of Delhi. A fourth-generation sitar maestro, he inherited
Nepal's distinguished sitar tradition pioneered by his great-grandfather Dev C. Regmi and
refined his artistry under eminent gurus in Nepal and India.
Beyond his performances, Dr. Regmi has dedicated over three decades to music education,
serving as Professor at Padma Kanya Campus and later as Head of the Central Department of
Fine Arts at Tribhuvan University (2021–2025). A Fulbright Visiting Scholar in New York,
author of influential books on Nepali music history, and recipient of numerous national
honours, he has become one of Nepal's foremost cultural scholars and ambassadors.
- Joining him are accomplished musicians Umesh Pandit, an award-winning flautist and
murchunga player celebrated for his collaborations with Grammy-winning artists, and
Ananta Prajapati, one of Nepal's leading tabla and percussion virtuosos with performances
spanning Nepal, India, Malaysia and China.
Together, they present an extraordinary combination of Sitar, Tabla, Madal, Flute and
Murchunga, each instrument representing different dimensions of Nepal's musical
identity—from the meditative resonance of the sitar to the earthy rhythms of the madal and
the distinctive metallic voice of the Himalayan murchunga.
Music as a Language of Peace
Sukarma's philosophy extends beyond artistic excellence.
Every performance seeks to communicate themes of peace, harmony, environmental
awareness, cultural diversity, community rights and coexistence. Their repertoire reflects
Nepal's majestic landscapes, multicultural society and centuries-old musical traditions while
embracing dialogue with global musical forms.
Their performances are not merely concerts but cultural conversations—demonstrating how
tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully.
A Remarkable Global Journey
Sukarma has represented Nepal in dozens of international festivals and concert tours since
2002.
The ensemble has performed extensively throughout Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France,
Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the
United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Pakistan, India and Kyrgyzstan,
appearing at internationally recognized festivals, universities, museums, cultural institutions
and concert halls.
Recent tours include:
. Europe Tour (2025)
. China Tour (2025)
. USA Tour (2024)
. Europe Tours (2024 & 2023)
. Multiple concert tours across Europe and North America from 2002 onward
Through every international appearance, Sukarma has consistently projected Nepal's cultural
identity on the global stage.
Europe Tour 2026
This August, Sukarma returns to Europe with performances across Italy, Switzerland and
Germany, presenting Nepali folk-classical music before international audiences.
Tentative Schedule (2–25 August 2026)
. 2 August – Departure from Kathmandu to Milan, Italy.
. 3 August – Public performance at the Valseriana Music Festival near Milan.
. 4–6 August – Private workshops and studio sessions in Milan.
. 8 August – Public concert at CaBaRe Club, Zürich.
. 9 August – Public performance at Church Zürich Altstetten.
. 11–14 August – Cultural visits and private engagements in Frankfurt and Dresden,
Germany.
. 15 August – Public concert at Bullingerhaus, Zürich.
. 16 August – Public performance at Church Hausen am Albis, Canton of Zürich.
. 19–23 August – Performances at the Avellino Music Festival near Naples, Italy.
. 24 August – Departure from Milan.
. 25 August – Arrival in Kathmandu.
Nepal's Musical Identity on the World Stage
In an era where cultural identity often competes with globalization, Sukarma demonstrates
that tradition need not remain confined within museums or archives. Instead, it can travel
across continents, inspire new audiences and build bridges among cultures.
Every note performed by Sukarma carries echoes of Nepal's mountains, rivers, villages and
ancient traditions. Every concert becomes an invitation to experience Nepal—not only
through its breathtaking landscapes but through the language of melody.
As Sukarma begins another European journey this August, it once again reminds the world
that Nepal's greatest treasures are not only carved in stone or written in history, but also
resonate through strings, rhythms and breath.
For nearly thirty years, Sukarma has proven that while borders may separate nations, music
remains humanity's most universal language. Through its unwavering commitment to
artistic excellence and cultural diplomacy, the ensemble continues to redefine Nepali folk and
classical music for audiences around the globe, ensuring that the sound of Nepal is heard far
beyond the Himalayas.
