A MANOLLASINI IFCMD PROGRAM
BTK ENSEMBLE
Many Musicians. One Live Sound.
BTK ENSEMBLE is Manollasini’s collaborative live-music program within the Indian Film, Contemporary Music & Dance Wing.
It brings vocalists, instrumentalists, rhythm artists, and musical directors together to present Indian film music through live ensemble arrangements, shared artistry, and the energy of performance in the moment.
From timeless melodies to contemporary favorites, BTK ENSEMBLE celebrates harmony, teamwork, and creative expression across languages, generations, and musical backgrounds.
Presented by Manollasini Inc., a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing-arts organization.
THE SOUND OF A LIVE ENSEMBLE
Different Musicians. One Shared Sound.
BTK ENSEMBLE brings vocalists and instrumentalists together to experience Indian film music as a live, collaborative performance. Each musician contributes a distinct part while becoming part of something larger.
Voices & Instruments Together
Vocals and live instrumentation come together to give familiar music new energy, depth, and character on stage.
Built Through Collaboration
Musicians listen, respond, and work together—turning individual contributions into a coordinated ensemble performance.
Made for Live Performance
From rhythm and melody to vocals and accompaniment, every part contributes to the excitement and connection of music performed live.
WAYS TO JOIN THE ENSEMBLE
Find Your Place in the Sound.
BTK ENSEMBLE brings together musicians with different skills and musical backgrounds, creating opportunities to contribute, collaborate, and perform as part of a shared live sound.
Vocalists
Singers can contribute lead, supporting, and ensemble vocals while experiencing the dynamics of performing with live musicians.
Instrumentalists
Melody, rhythm, percussion, keyboard, guitar, and other instrumentalists come together to shape the sound and energy of each performance.
Music Directors & Collaborators
Musical collaborators can bring together repertoire, themes, and musical ideas to shape each ensemble performance.
Program note:
Performance formats and song requirements vary by showcase. All submissions are reviewed according to the program theme, available time, technical needs, and overall curation.
BUILDING THE ENSEMBLE SOUND
Every Part Adds to the Music.
A live ensemble comes together when different musical elements complement one another.
BTK ENSEMBLE creates space for voices, instruments, rhythm, and creative arrangements to become one shared performance.
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Vocals
Lead and supporting voices bring lyrics, melody, and expression into the collective sound.
Rhythm & Percussion
Percussion and rhythm create the pulse, energy, and foundation that drive the ensemble.
Melody & Harmony
Melodic and harmonic instruments add layers, texture, and character to the music.
Arrangement & Interpretation
Each ensemble can explore fresh arrangements and interpretations while retaining the character of the music being performed.
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BTK ENSEMBLE | INAUGURAL PRESENTATION
Consulate General of India, New York & Madhyam
Manollasini Inc. launched the BTK Ensemble, featuring 19 vocalists and instrumentalists under the artistic direction of Manasa Khandrika, in collaboration with distinguished musician Chetan Davdra.
The ensemble made its inaugural presentation at the Indian Film Music & Dance Festival 2026, hosted by the Consulate General of India, New York, in collaboration with Madhyam.
This milestone reflects Manollasini’s commitment to creating collaborative artistic platforms and meaningful performance opportunities.
WHY THIS PROGRAM IS NEEDED
Creating Opportunities to Make Music Together
Many talented vocalists and instrumentalists develop their music individually, but performing as part of a live ensemble offers a different experience.
BTK ENSEMBLE creates opportunities for musicians to collaborate, rehearse, and build a shared sound together.
Beyond Individual Performance
Musicians experience what it means to listen, respond, and contribute as part of a larger musical group.
Building Ensemble Experience
Rehearsals and live performances help artists develop coordination, stage awareness, and experience performing with other musicians.
Creating Through Collaboration
Different musical backgrounds and ideas come together to shape repertoire, arrangements, and new interpretations.
Bringing Community Musicians Together
BTK ENSEMBLE brings community singers and instrumentalists together to perform live, while giving audiences the opportunity to experience the energy and connection of ensemble music.
THE BTK ENSEMBLE STORY
Growing Through Collaboration, Musicians & Live Performance
BTK ENSEMBLE is growing through collaborative presentations that bring community vocalists, instrumentalists, rhythm artists, and musical directors together around a shared repertoire.
Each presentation creates opportunities for musicians to rehearse, listen, respond, and contribute their individual strengths to one coordinated live performance. Through these shared experiences, BTK ENSEMBLE is building a community where musicians can connect, collaborate, and bring Indian film music to audiences through the energy of a live ensemble.
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BTK ENSEMBLE Presentation
6
Musical Elements
19
Vocalists & Instrumentalists
200+
Community Attendance
Impact Note: Participation figures represent total participation in one BTK ENSEMBLE presentation as part of the event hosted by Consulate General of India, New York in collaboration with Madhyam on 29th March 2026. Musical Elements were - Voice, Violin, Drums, Bass Guitar, Tabla and Keyboard.
BE PART OF BTK ENSEMBLE
Come Together. Make Music.
Whether you sing, play an instrument, shape musical ideas, or simply enjoy live music, there are many ways to become part of the BTK ENSEMBLE community.
Experience
BTK ENSEMBLE
Join us in the audience and experience the energy of voices and instruments coming together live.