Raag-Mala Music Society of Toronto
The Raag-Mala Music Society of Toronto is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1981 to promote Indian classical music (Raag Sangeet) in Canada. Operating as a registered charity (CRA No. 119108264RR0001), it is recognized as one of North America’s longest-serving institutions dedicated to this genre[5].

Mission and Activities

Raag-Mala’s core mandate involves organizing concerts, workshops, and educational programs to foster appreciation for Indian classical music in Canada[5]. The society has produced over 200 live performances and lecture demonstrations since its inception[5], featuring both legendary artists such as Ustad Vilayat Khan (sitar), Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia (bansuri), and Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma (santoor), as well as emerging talents like Arnab Chakrabarty (sarod) and Pankaj Mishra (violin)[5].

Collaborations and Programming

In partnership with institutions such as the Aga Khan Museum and the University of Toronto’s Massey College, Raag-Mala has hosted events like Parallel Traditions: Exploring Classical Music from Northern India (2022)[1]. Recent initiatives include the Sowing the Seeds of Raag Sangeet in Canada series, released in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Toronto to commemorate India’s 75th Independence anniversary[1].

The society’s annual concert series often features cross-genre collaborations, such as performances by Roopa Panesar (sitar) and Ragini Shankar (violin)[2]. It also produces online content, including interviews with artists like Kaushiki Chakraborty through its Raag-Mala in the Greenroom series[1].

Educational Outreach

Raag-Mala emphasizes accessibility through discounted student tickets and free digital content[2][1]. Workshops and lecture-demonstrations aim to engage diverse audiences, including those new to Indian classical music[5].

Recognition

As a CRA-registered charity, Raag-Mala relies on grants from the Ontario Arts Council, donors, and volunteers[1][5]. Its 2025 programming marks the organization’s 45th anniversary[1].