The archipelago nation of the Maldives just south of Sri Lanka and India has its own blend of influences stretching through the 5th century BC, being a part of Silk Road trade and a short-lived sultanate after independence from the British. Today, colorful barrier reefs and resorts are just a short walk from onion domes redolent of a Middle Eastern landscape. With varied and fascinating local musical traditions, a concert tour in the Maldives holds the opportunity to contribute to the globalizing music scene and enjoy one of the world’s most unique tropical destinations. A concert is possible in Male, the capital, and then a beach resort experience can be added on. The country can easily be combined with Sri Lanka and South India.

Classical Movements has deep roots in South Asia. President Neeta Helms was born and raised in India. Along with her family, she sang and toured in many choirs while being involved in major western classical music institutions such as Delhi Music Society, the Delhi School of Music, the Delhi Symphony Orchestra and the Paranjoti Chorus. Even before the company was established, she arranged for concert pianist and composer Robert DeGaetano to make two tours to India in the 1980s. Thanks to her knowledge and experience, the India Choral Fellowship is now underway and drawing attention to Western classical music’s growing presence in South Asia.

Sights & Sounds

  • Malé
  • Islamic Centre of the Maldives
  • Jumhooree Maidan (National Center)
  • Coral mosque Huskuru Miskiiy
  • Whale sharks at Maamingili
  • Turtles & colorful fish in the Baa Atoll
  • Hundreds of tiny, pristine islands

Testimonials

“I’ve been extremely happy with our tours we’ve taken with Classical Movements these past six years. We have used them exclusively for international touring, because they have worked so hard for us, getting us featured at prestigious international venues such as the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan; the Gateway Music Festival in Beijing, China; and the upcoming 4th of July concert in Havana, Cuba. They have excellent national staff that listen to your needs, as well as important musical contacts in major cities internationally. Through Classical Movements we have been able to sing at amazing venues to full audiences around the world. If you are interested in a top-notch musical, as well as educational tour, I recommend you employ the services of Classical Movements.”

–Dr. Susan McMane | Artistic Director, San Francisco Girls Chorus

“The concert venues were terrific.  The two most outstanding halls I’ve ever sung in were the Kitara and Kyoto Concert Halls.  What architectural and acoustical gems!  We felt so honored to be able to sing in those spaces, and the Chiba Paru-ru Hall was also amazing. I thank you for a wonderful tour to Japan on behalf of the SFGC!  The tour lived up to my expectations and more.  I would definitely recommend Classical Movements to someone else.  I look forward to traveling with you again!”

–Dr. Susan McMane | Artistic Director, San Francisco Girls Chorus, 2005

“Thank you, again, for your tremendous work in bringing our tour to China to life.  It was an incredible, life-altering experience for our students.  The venues were fantastic, the audiences large and enthusiastic, and all of the complex arrangements were handled smoothly.”

–John Nardolillo | Director of Orchestras, University of Kentucky, 2014

“We must applaud Classical Movements for always delivering a very comprehensive and thorough product. Tours of this type are a balancing act, where one wants a great musical experience at the same time as experiencing the culture of the countries visited. This was the first trip where we did not just concentrate on one country, but several in Qatar, Oman and United Arab Emirates. For many on the group, including myself who has travelled the world over, there were cities and countries we have never heard of before, but will not ever forget.”

–Dr. Eric Conway | Choir Director & Chairperson of Fine Arts, Morgan State University, 2014

“Thank you for all your efforts to put together our China tour. Both the musical and non-musical arrangements were truly exceptional as always. The concert halls were some of the best places we’ve ever performed, a testament not just to your work, but to the efforts of people in China who have made efforts get world-class concert halls built there. Impressive. We look forward to the next tour with Classical Movements.”

–Kevin Fox | Founder & Artistic Director, Pacific Boychoir Academy, 2010

Press

“Kevin Fox, who is working with the Neemrana Foundation, the Capital City Minstrels and Delhi School of Music in the Capital, says that the Indian singers are very keen on the music and are eager to do more and learn more about choral singing. He adds, ‘I’ve met some excellent directors and teachers here who are working very creatively to spread the musical and social benefits of group singing.'”

-Mail Today, Srijani Ganguly | Feb 15, 2017

“After performing in Mumbai, [Yale Schola Cantorum] will head to Chennai where they will participate in the Sunday morning mass on March 19th at St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican church east of the Suez and the oldest British building in India. The church holds a special significance for the university. In 1680, the first wedding to be performed in the church was that of merchant and philanthropist Elihu Yale, in whose honour the university was later renamed.”

-The Hindu, March 15th, 2017