Last spring, the diverse and vibrant sights and sounds of Indian culture were on full display as more than 500 people filled Fenwick Auditorium for a special concert highlighting Indian classical music and dance. The annual “Indian Classical Night” event, presented by the Hindu Students Council (HSC) and The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY) at UVA, began with a catered reception that featured the work of Murad Khan Mumtaz, a graduate student in the Department of Art who is trained in the traditional art of Indian miniature painting. Attendees were then treated to a concert featuring instrumental, vocal, solo, and group dance performances by UVA students, faculty, and Charlottesville community members. Throughout the performance, local visual artist Chicho Lorenzo painted an abstract piece inspired by what was happening on stage.

SPICMACAY at UVA was established in 1990 by a group of students interested in sharing classical Indian art forms with the University community. It is one of only 10 chapters in the United States, of the 300 chapters worldwide. In the past 25 years, the chapter has organized scores of events featuring leading artists all of whom are preeminent in their fields. SPICMACAY at UVA also promotes talented students and community members by providing a platform for them to present their work. The organization seeks to continue increasing the visibility of Indian arts on Grounds and to continue exploring exciting and invigorating collaborations with musicians, dancers, authors, filmmakers, and scholars from all backgrounds and disciplines.