MoonArra world fusion ensemble is an amalgam of Indian Classical, jazz and world music influences based in Bangalore, India. In this exciting musical workshop, the group explores how in the early 40s and more so in the 1950s Latin percussion entered Indian Cinema and the sound of film music changed, it’s compositions and songs and background score heavily influenced by Latin Percussion and its infectious rhythms. Music directors such as Naushad, RD Burman, O.P. Nayyar, M.S. Vishwanathan, Ilayaraja, Rajan Nagendra, Hamsalekha used it extensively to match the mood, setting, atmosphere, tension, song, etc., in hundreds of films.
Bios:
Jagadeesh M.R – Internationally acclaimed guitar player, composer and founder of MoonArra, Jagadeesh has been performing jazz and fusion for over three decades. Having studied both Indian Classical and Western classical music, Jagadeesh utilizes both to explore jazz and world music. Playing both nylon classical guitar and electric steel string guitar, Jagadeesh with MoonArra, has collaborated and performed with International musicians from Asia, Africa, Europe, America & Australia.
Jagadeesh continues to network with musicians both locally and internationally as part of his events interest. Jagadeesh currently is Director Culture & International Relations at The Bangalore School of Music.
Jagadeesh along with Madhuri also successfully curated and executed the first edition of the Bengaluru Jazz Fest in November 2025.
Madhuri Jagadeesh– A Masters in World Literature, internationally acclaimed singer songwriter and co founder of MoonArra, Madhuri’s vocals has influences from all over the world, but rooted in India. She’s always loved the open sound of jazz and finds it the most inclusive form of music and a universal mode of communication. Madhuri has found a niche in world music and is constantly looking to expand the scope and possibilities of this genre with new influences and sounds from around the world as she travels A vocalist and songwriter, composer and pioneer of the Indian Opera, Madhuri has conceived and created significant concert productions for MoonArra such as Operaaga, Raagas Round Midnight, Women Aah Men, A Continent Called Jazz, The Cosmic Tree, Voices of Trees, Love The Classics, Ladies of Jazz and Love, The Classics, Ladies and Gentlemen of Jazz.
Ushnish Acharya– is trained in Latin Percussion from Kolkata has made it his life’s calling to study and perform Latin Music and has performed with MoonArra since the last two years
