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.