A new examination of Hindustani classical music has turned attention towards khayal, a centuries-old vocal tradition, and the lesser-known musicians who continue to preserve its complex practices outside the mainstream cultural spotlight.

The book “The Secret Master Arun Kashalkar and a Journey to the Edge of Music” explores the journey of a khayal performer and examines the changing environment surrounding Indian classical music, including questions of commercialisation, institutional support and the survival of traditional learning systems.

The author described the work as both a biography and an analysis of the wider ecosystem in which Hindustani music exists. The book traces the evolution of khayal while looking at the challenges faced by musicians who maintain demanding artistic traditions away from popular platforms.

At a discussion in Chennai, the author spoke about the relationship between Hindustani and Carnatic music, saying that greater interaction between the two classical traditions could benefit performers and audiences.She said khayal attracted her because of its wide range of tempos and its emphasis on gradual musical development.

The form allows performers to move from slow, expansive passages to faster compositions while exploring different emotional and technical possibilities.Her interest in the subject deepened after she heard Arun Kashalkar perform at a small concert in Mumbai in 2016.

She later became connected with his teaching community and began exploring his approach to music and the broader tradition he represented.Kashalkar’s style combines elements from three different gharanas, or schools of Hindustani classical music.

The author said studying his career revealed the existence of a larger group of musicians who work within highly specialised traditions but remain outside the main cultural conversation.She said the book was written to understand why such musicians exist on the margins and to examine the relationship between mainstream recognition and lesser-known artistic practices.

The author said she interviewed leading figures in Mumbai’s Hindustani music community and attempted to address difficult questions rather than present a purely celebratory account of one musician.The book also explores the personal sacrifices involved in pursuing classical music at the highest level.

It examines the physical and emotional demands of long-term training and the challenges faced by artists when changing economic conditions affect opportunities for performance and recognition.

The discussion also focused on the changing place of classical music in contemporary India, where social media, commercial sponsorship and entertainment markets have altered how audiences engage with traditional art forms.

A noted Carnatic musician involved in the conversation said the book raises questions about how classical traditions survive in a culture increasingly shaped by commercial pressures.The author argued that khayal remains connected to India’s diverse cultural history and that its practitioners continue to recognise the contributions of different communities, including Muslim musicians and historical figures who helped develop the form.

However, she said the tradition faces pressure from broader cultural and economic changes. She described current debates around Indian culture as being influenced by political ideology, market forces and the demand for easily consumed entertainment.

According to her, this environment creates difficulties for art forms that require patience, concentration and long-term engagement from both performers and listeners.She said khayal represents a less visible part of India’s cultural heritage and requires stronger support systems to survive.

The discussion highlighted the role of institutions that provide performance opportunities and support for musicians. Some organisations have attempted to promote Hindustani classical music through specialised programmes, but the scale of support remains limited compared with investment in other international cultural events.

The shortage of performance spaces outside traditional centres of Hindustani music was also discussed. Chennai, known internationally for its Carnatic music tradition, has relatively fewer regular platforms for Hindustani performances despite interest among audiences.

The Carnatic musician said the city needs more smaller venues where younger performers can develop audiences and sustain their careers.“The problem in the South is that the only kind of Hindustani music we experience is one built around corporate sponsorships and superstar talent,” he said, arguing that smaller performance spaces could help create stronger ecosystems for emerging artists.

The author said the survival of the guru-shishya parampara, the traditional teacher-student relationship central to Indian classical music, depends on recognising the economic realities faced by teachers and students.She said institutions need to provide resources that allow gurus to continue teaching and allow students to pursue rigorous training without financial insecurity.

“We need institutional frameworks that will give these gurus money and other resources,” she said.The discussion also raised the possibility of expanding gurukul-style models across the country and creating stronger links between cultural institutions, artists and journalists who cover the arts.

The author said khayal currently faces uncertainty but expressed cautious optimism about its future.Ending the book on an ambiguous note, she referred to a Chinese proverb: “Dying embers can still start a fire.”

The agreement reflects the Kingdom’s long-term vision to strengthen cultural industries and provide world-class opportunities for emerging musicians.

Signed in Riyadh by Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, and Guido Zimmermann, president of Steinway & Sons EMEA, the partnership marks a milestone in the development of Saudi Arabia’s music sector.

It underscores the nation’s commitment to building an ecosystem that nurtures artistic skill, cultivates creativity and attracts global industry leaders.

The collaboration aims to empower local talent through advanced musical training, professional development and increased access to premium musical instruments.

By bringing international expertise together with local ambition, the initiative strengthens the Kingdom’s plan to build a dynamic and sustainable music market.

The agreement will also support artistic education programs and contribute to long-term commercial and cultural investment.

These efforts align with the broader cultural transformation underway in Saudi Arabia, which emphasizes growth, innovation and global engagement.

A key element of the partnership includes exploring apprenticeship programs for piano technicians, offering specialized training in an area essential for performance and instrument care.

Such programs will open doors for new career paths and raise technical standards within the Kingdom’s growing music industry.

The partners will also work together on Music Commission events and initiatives, encouraging high-quality participation while linking musicians to cultural, educational and retail partners across Saudi Arabia.

This network-driven approach is designed to expand professional opportunities and enhance the presence of music in community and national life.

Paul Pacifico highlighted the power of the partnership, noting that the combination of global experience and local creativity will create a strong foundation for education and performance.

He emphasized that developing talent is central to shaping a thriving music economy capable of attracting investment and supporting long-term cultural progress.

Pacifico also stressed that the Commission’s mission is broader than talent development alone, as it seeks to build a music market that encourages business growth, supports practitioners and inspires audiences nationwide.

The agreement with Steinway & Sons reflects this vision by connecting international craftsmanship with Saudi innovation.

Guido Zimmermann praised the Kingdom’s cultural evolution and expressed enthusiasm about contributing to its musical journey.

He described the partnership as a meaningful commitment to education, artistic excellence and the advancement of music-making in Saudi Arabia.

Zimmermann emphasized that Saudi Arabia is entering a remarkable phase of cultural development, with music emerging as a vital part of the nation’s creative identity.

The collaboration aims to strengthen that identity further by supporting young musicians and enhancing access to global standards of training and performance.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in creative industries, partnerships like this reinforce its position as a cultural hub within the region.

Music plays a growing role in community life, education and the national vision for artistic expression.

The agreement demonstrates how international cooperation can accelerate cultural transformation while honoring local traditions and aspirations.

By investing in both talent and craftsmanship, the initiative lays a foundation for a vibrant and self-sustaining music sector.

With strategic collaborations, new training pathways and access to premium musical instruments, Saudi Arabia’s music ecosystem is poised for rapid growth.

The partnership with Steinway & Sons represents a strong step toward a future where creativity thrives and musicians flourish across the Kingdom.

Organized by MDLBEAST, the festival focuses on sustainable growth, talent development, and long-term economic and social value within the music industry.

Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, emphasized that Soundstorm is more than entertainment; it serves as a platform for job creation, attracting global talent, and providing local artists with large-scale performance opportunities.

The festival integrates training, production, and creative development programs that extend beyond the weekend, ensuring year-round support for emerging artists and professionals.

Soundstorm 2025 has improved accessibility and sustainability, with better transportation, navigation, energy management, and recycling systems to enhance the audience experience.

Inclusion remains a priority, with designated spaces and experiences that welcome diverse communities, encouraging participation from all types of audiences.

Talent development is central to the festival, with initiatives like XP Music Futures providing mentorship, professional training, and performance opportunities for young artists.

Regional and international label partnerships support experimentation in music technology, sound design, and creative production, helping Saudi talent compete globally.

The festival layout has been redesigned to highlight live music zones, hip-hop stages, regional talent areas, and emerging artist platforms, creating a more immersive experience for attendees.

Main stages feature international performers, while dedicated spaces allow local and regional talent to showcase their creativity to wider audiences.

MDLBEAST’s vision focuses on sustainable, meaningful growth in the Saudi music sector, aiming to expand live events, venues, and festival offerings while strengthening global presence.

The organization continues to invest in long-term programs that support music education, artist development, and cultural experiences for the Kingdom and the region.

Nada Alhelabi, general manager of MDLBEAST Foundation and founder of XP Music Futures, highlighted the importance of professional pathways for emerging talent in music and creative industries.

The foundation provides workshops, mentoring, and hands-on training in sound engineering, event production, artist management, and creative business, equipping young professionals with essential skills.

The music industry in Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving, with more venues, festivals, and studios generating demand for skilled professionals in multiple career paths beyond performing.

XP Music Futures connects talent, executives, startups, and educators, offering networking, industry insights, and opportunities for collaboration across the creative economy.

Key programs such as Hunna support female talent and leadership, while XPERFORM helps emerging artists grow audiences and secure performance opportunities, broadening exposure for local creatives.

A new partnership with Shahid, the region’s leading streaming platform, broadcasts XPERFORM content, giving Saudi artists wider visibility and connecting their work to a global audience.

Sound Futures fosters innovation in music-tech startups, enabling entrepreneurs to test and launch ideas that contribute to the growth of a sustainable and competitive music ecosystem.

Through these initiatives, Soundstorm 2025 and MDLBEAST are creating a vibrant cultural landscape, nurturing talent, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for creative excellence.

By combining local creativity with international expertise, Soundstorm is shaping the future of the Kingdom’s music industry, generating long-term value for artists, professionals, and audiences alike.

The festival exemplifies how strategic investment in talent development, global partnerships, and cultural programming can transform Saudi Arabia into a leading regional and international music destination.