Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay (BPS), a programme of the Bengal Foundation, was established in 2014 with the wider aim of reviving classical music in Bangladesh. BPS seeks to make education in South Asian classical music available and financially accessible to deserving Bangladeshi students, within the country, from an internationally renowned faculty.
The Foundation’s music programme started in the late eighties, with the aim of presenting good quality Bengali music to all. After many years of successfully delivering concerts, recordings, lectures and workshops, it was keenly felt that that more needed to be done to ensure proper teaching of classical music in Bangladesh. Efforts commenced with a series of teaching workshops in 2002, and was followed by the flagship Bengal Classical Music Festival in 2012, which is until date, one of the largest festivals in the world of its kind in terms of number of performers on a single stage, duration of the programme and audience capacity.
The ideology of the Bengal Classical Music Festival was always backed by the intent to establish a school for training in classical music by renowned maestros, and the success of the first festival led to Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay being introduced in 2014. Rooted in a modern interpretation of the Guru-Shishya tradition, BPS fosters a deep spiritual mentorship where students develop expertise under the guidance of a master. The goal is for students to become world-class musicians and ambassadors of Bangladeshi classical music on the international stage. Training is open-ended, typically lasting at least 10 years. Stage performances are encouraged, with pupils paid for their appearances to promote professionalism. All pupils, who are competitively offered a place in the programme, are provided free lessons and individual support. The school has been lauded for its unique concept, generosity and commitment to excellence.
BPS targets gifted young Bangladeshi pupils, from 6 to 24 years, to train in the genres of Khayal, Dhrupad, Tabla, Sarod, Esraj/ Sarangi and Sitar. Intake is through an annual open call. Local teaching capacity is being strengthened through its resident faculty. Placement is on a competitive basis. Young women are especially encouraged to apply.

Chairman’s vision

There can be no better means of ensuring a bond between people than through cultural exchange. The aesthetic sensibility and creative urge, which find expression in the arts are surely the ingredients that foster ties between nations and societies, and cut across political, social and economic barriers.
The abundance of talent in Bangladesh is an index of the rich tradition of music in the region. It is important that each of us try and perpetuate this cultural legacy of ours in every conceivable way. The Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay is a step in that direction.
It is my dream that in the future a new generation of world class Bangladeshi musicians will perform alongside classical music legends of the region. They will represent Bangladesh in the world arena with pride.

Abul Khair

Focus areas

• Train and mentor gifted young Bangladeshi musicians in classical music.
• Set excellence in classical music education and performance.
• Inspire creativity and artistry while promoting equal access to top-level training.
• Offer public concerts to foster interest and engagement.
• Revive and position classical music in contemporary culture.
• Promote diversity, inclusivity, and break stereotypes.
• Build regional and international networks to represent Bangladesh globally.
• Provide certification to help musicians establish professional careers.
• Strengthen the music industry by supporting artists, instrument-makers, and technicians.
• Highlight Bangladesh’s role in the classical music heritage of the region

I have always heard that Bangladeshi people love the sound of a flute, so much so that their day remains incomplete without it. This knowledge gives me pleasure and I look forward to come and join the students, and play the flute.
– Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

Bangladesh has given us Baba Alauddin, Bahadur Hossain Khan, Ali Akbar Khan and Ustad Vilayet Khan, to name a few. Their contributions have made way for much greater attainments in art and music. Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay, in turn, has created the opportunity to once again revive classical music to its former glory.
–Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty

To preserve the traditional art is a challenge for every country, not only for India or Bangladesh. It is very important to have our own identity and preserve our own classical music. Therefore, this gurukul will be very beneficial for Bangladesh. I am very happy that Bengal Foundation is serving this cause of preserving and popularizing Indian Classical Music.
– Ustad Amjad Ali Khan