Looking for an orchestra in Bangladesh? Orchestral music here is small but growing. This guide explains where Bangladeshi orchestras come from, who plays in them today, and how to hear or hire one. It is written by Shariful Islam, a Dhaka-based violinist and conductor and founder of the Dhaka Symphony Orchestra.
A short history of the orchestra in Bangladesh
Bengal’s own music — raga-based classical music, Baul and Sufi song, kirtan, folk forms such as bhatiali and bhawaiya — developed without the Western orchestra. European instruments arrived through the colonial period, above all the violin, which Bengali musicians adopted and played in their own way. Film, radio and television later created work for string and wind players, but these were studio ensembles rather than concert orchestras.
For most of Bangladesh’s history, the steadiest home for orchestral players has been the armed forces. The music units of the Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Navy train musicians in reading music and ensemble playing, and their orchestras perform at state and ceremonial events. Many of the country’s working orchestral musicians have passed through them.
Orchestras and ensembles in Bangladesh today
- Military orchestras — the Bangladesh Army Orchestra and Bangladesh Navy Symphony Orchestra, which perform mainly at official and ceremonial occasions.
- Independent orchestras — including the Dhaka Symphony Orchestra, which performs concerts and commissions new Bangladeshi orchestral music.
- Cultural institutions and foundations — Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy hosts classical concerts, and organisations such as Dhaka Classics (launched in 2023) promote Western classical and Bengali classical music.
- Studio and event ensembles — string groups assembled for film, television, recordings, weddings and corporate events.
What makes a Bangladeshi orchestra different
A Bangladeshi orchestra does not need to copy a European one. Its players often grow up with both notation and ear-based learning, and with melodies full of ornaments and slides that Western scores rarely write down. The most interesting new work in the country puts those skills to use: orchestral arrangements of Lalon and other Baul songs, pieces built on folk rhythms, and new compositions that mix orchestral colour with field recordings and improvisation.
Challenges
- Training — there are few places to study orchestral instruments to a professional level.
- Instruments — violins, violas and cellos are mostly imported and struggle in Bangladesh’s heat and humidity, and there are almost no local instrument makers.
- Funding and venues — orchestras need steady support and halls with good acoustics.
Building a full orchestra ecosystem — local instrument making, training, and a permanent symphony orchestra — is the long-term work Shariful Islam and the Dhaka Symphony Orchestra are committed to.
How to hear or hire an orchestra in Bangladesh
- Concerts — follow the Dhaka Symphony Orchestra and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy for announcements.
- Events — string quartets and small orchestras can be booked for weddings, receptions, launches and ceremonies.
- Commissions — orchestral arrangements, film scores and new works.
To book the Dhaka Symphony Orchestra or a smaller ensemble, contact Shariful Islam. For violin lessons in Dhaka, see Lessons.
বাংলাদেশের অর্কেস্ট্রা
বাংলাদেশে অর্কেস্ট্রা সংগীত ছোট হলেও ধীরে ধীরে বাড়ছে। সেনাবাহিনী ও নৌবাহিনীর অর্কেস্ট্রা, শিল্পকলা একাডেমির আয়োজন এবং ঢাকা সিম্ফনি অর্কেস্ট্রার মতো স্বাধীন দল এই ধারাকে এগিয়ে নিচ্ছে। ঢাকা সিম্ফনি অর্কেস্ট্রা প্রতিষ্ঠা করেছেন বেহালাবাদক, সুরকার ও কন্ডাক্টর শরিফুল ইসলাম। কনসার্ট, অনুষ্ঠান বা নতুন সংগীত রচনার জন্য যোগাযোগ করুন।
Frequently asked questions
Does Bangladesh have a symphony orchestra?
Yes. The armed forces maintain orchestras, and the Dhaka Symphony Orchestra is an independent orchestra based in Dhaka.
Can I hire an orchestra in Dhaka?
Yes — from a string quartet to a full ensemble. Send an enquiry with your date, venue and budget.
Where can I learn violin in Bangladesh?
Shariful Islam teaches violin in Dhaka. See Lessons.