WHO WE ARE
Our Story
The Australian Indian Orchestra (AIO) is Australia’s first Symphony Orchestra dedicated to performing Indian music.
Founded in 2023 by brothers Sagar and Suraj Nagaraj, the AIO combines a western symphony orchestra with Indian instruments and vocalists to create a unique musical experience live in concert.
Musicians in the symphony orchestra have performed with top orchestras around Australia including the Sydney Symphony, Opera Australia, and the Australian World Orchestras.
Indian instrumentalists and singers in the orchestra have performed with top Bollywood artists like Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Jubin Nautiyal, and Kumar Sanu.
In its inaugural season, the AIO presented 2 hit concerts, "Sydney to Mumbai" & "Symphony of Lights" to sold-out crowds. In 2025, the AIO innovated with a unique concert featuring a chamber orchestra and an 8-voice choir, the first time in Australia that Bollywood songs had been sung in 4-part harmony.
For the Diwali 2025 concert the AIO attracted international crowds to Sydney with an 80-piece symphony orchestra performance of the music of legendary composer A.R. Rahman.
The AIO actively nurtures up and coming talent by providing educational and performing opportunities to young people. The orchestra embodies the unique multicultural landscape of Australia and aims to inspire future generations of musicians in Australia and around the world.
about the aio
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
To Connect Australians and Indians through Music
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
Presenting Indian Music in Western Formats
Our Artists
Our Mission
Our Artists
Leading Australian and Indian Musicians
the founders
Sagar Nagaraj
Born in 1997, Sagar began violin lessons at the age of 8. Rising through the Sydney and Australian Youth Orchestras, he has performed with artists like Andrea Bocelli, Delta Goodrem, and Il Divo in concert halls throughout Australia, Europe, and Asia. In 2018 he had the incredible opportunity to tour with the Australian World Orchestra to India, where he saw the impact that orchestral music made on Indian audiences.
Suraj Nagaraj
Born in 2002, Suraj began violin lessons at the age of 4 after being inspired by his brother. With a keen ear, Suraj was able to apply his expertise on western violin to Indian classical and film music. As a result he was in high-demand as the violinist for Indian community concerts. In 2023, Suraj picked up the conductor’s baton and debuted with the 60-piece Australian Indian Orchestra and Singers performing his bespoke arrangements.
support us
Help Us Unite Australia and India
Your support means we can continue to present ambitious and innovative projects that brings Australia and India closer together.
Donations above $2 are tax deductible.