On 20^th April, 2026, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai hosted a poignant ceremony to honour a lineage of patronage that has sustained Western classical music in the city for close to a century. The event, held at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, saw the unveiling of a commemorative plaque dedicated to the memory of Jal A. J. Vakil and his wife, Sheroo, a tribute to a family whose “cultural stewardship” remains a cornerstone of the arts in India.

The occasion held deep personal meaning for Rustom Jal Vakil, Director of the Jasubhai Group and Honorary Chancellor, Consulate General of Austria, Mumbai. This year marks the 75th anniversary of his parents, Jal and Sheroo, whose shared passion for music brought them together in the late 1940s. In their memory, Mr. Vakil presented an endowment to the NCPA, marking what would have been their Platinum Anniversary year.

In his address, he recalled the origins of the Amateur Classical Ensemble, founded by his father. Long before Mumbai’s arts scene became structured, this group of dedicated enthusiasts met regularly at Gamadia High School, nurturing a musical movement that bridged early orchestras and today’s Symphony Orchestra of India.

Tracing the deep roots of symphony orchestras in Mumbai’s cultural fabric, the narrative goes back 106 years to Herbert Baer, a German national who led the Governor’s Band. In 1920, Baer envisioned an orchestra that would belong to the people, welcoming members across religions and genders, an idea far ahead of its time. After his departure in 1928, pioneers like Mehli Mehta and Jules Craen carried this vision forward by establishing the Bombay Symphony Orchestra. Their passion sustained the movement, though it often faced challenges due to the absence of institutional support, a gap later addressed by the NCPA.

Rustom Vakil highlighted the need for the NCPA to now focus on nurturing emerging talent, ensuring young musicians trained in India find meaningful opportunities here. He also stressed the importance of preserving Mumbai’s rich Western classical music heritage through proper documentation and archiving.

Adding a personal touch, Dr. Cavas Billimoria shared vivid memories from the 1960s, recalling his performances with the Amateur Classical Ensemble and the spirited, often chaotic rehearsals that defined an era shaped by dedication and passion.

The evening concluded with a performance by the Symphony Orchestra of India, featuring pieces including the Romance from Shostakovich’s The Gadfly Suite – a fitting tribute to a family that has ensured the music never stops playing in Mumbai.