The NeemranaMusic Foundation
A recognised Charitable Trust founded in 2004 by Francis WacziargPromoting Western classical music and cultural exchange between East and WestFrancis Wacziarg began his career in India as a French diplomat in 1970 and remained deeply involved in heritage and the artsCo-founder of Neemrana Hotels, founder-member of INTACH and the India Foundation for the Arts, Francis Wacziarg became an Indian citizen in 1990He believed India’s monuments and remarkable local talent made the country a natural destination for operaTraining Indian singers to international standards through choirs, scholarships and the Neemrana Music AcademyThe Neemrana Music Academy was established in 2018, while annual scholarships help young Indian artists pursue studies abroadOpera training culminates in major performances acclaimed by audiences across IndiaThe Foundation is headed by Ms. Aude Priya WacziargThe only local institution dedicated to training Indian opera talent with Indian soloistsOpera productions include Le Fakir of Benares (2002), La Traviata (2009), Don Pasquale (2012), Romeo et Juliette (2014), The Republic of Love (2018), La Vie Parisienne (2023) and The Magic Flute (2025)
Two The Neemrana Music Foundation artists performing together on stage

New Delhi · India · Since 2004

Opera, educationand cultural exchange.

Advancing Western classical music in India since 2004.

The Neemrana Operas.

Original opera productions bringing Indian singers, international artists and audiences together.

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The Neemrana Music Foundation

Fromthefirstlessontotheworld stage.

From weekly Academy classes and choir rehearsals to workshops, opera productions, artist residencies and scholarships in France, the Foundation gives emerging musicians a continuous path to learn, perform and grow.

Education at The Neemrana Music Foundation

Education

Regular training through the Music Academy, choirs, workshops and direct mentorship from experienced artists.

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Performance at The Neemrana Music Foundation

Performance

Opera productions and concerts that give Indian singers and musicians the experience of a professional stage.

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Cultural exchange at The Neemrana Music Foundation

Cultural exchange

A continuing exchange between India and the world through visiting artists, collaborations and scholarships in France.

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Learning at the Foundation

Our Courses& Programmes

Weekly music classes, choir rehearsals, workshops, artist residencies and scholarship opportunities.

Music Academy

Structured vocal training, musicianship, repertoire and ensemble practice for developing singers.

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Weekly classes · New Delhi

Ensemble Choir

Regular rehearsals that bring singers together through Western classical and operatic repertoire.

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Group rehearsals · Concerts

Children’s Choir

A welcoming introduction to singing together, musical discipline, listening and confident performance.

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Choir rehearsals · Performance

Our history · Since 2004

Illustration of an ensemble performing An Evening in Paris

Our musical journeysince 2004

We teach, perform and connect artists from India and around the world.

2002

The first production

Le Fakir de Bénarès begins an operatic journey rooted in India.

2004

A Foundation is formed

Francis Wacziarg establishes the charitable trust in New Delhi.

2013

India meets Paris

Orfeo — Crossing the Ganges is presented at the Cité de la Musique.

2018

Learning finds a home

The Neemrana Music Academy creates a permanent, year-round programme.

Today

The work continues

Education, performance and cultural exchange move forward as one practice.

Stewardship & artistic direction

Meet Our Leadership.

Trustees and artistic leaders guiding the Foundation’s work in education, performance and cultural exchange.

Meet the full team
Aude Priya Wacziarg Engel

Trustee

Aude Priya Wacziarg Engel

Managing Trustee

Prem Shankar Jha

Trustee

Prem Shankar Jha

Indian economist, journalist and writer

Ila Lumba

Trustee

Ila Lumba

Founder, Laksh Foundation and Laksh Farms

Philippe Engel

Artistic leadership

Philippe Engel

Head of Music Department

Jasmin Martorell

Artistic leadership

Jasmin Martorell

Head of Voice Department

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