Built by Artists, Driven by Purpose
The Melbourne Music Festival isn’t just another event—it’s a movement created by artists, for artists. Every person involved in making this festival a reality is deeply rooted in the music industry, bringing years of experience, passion, and an unshakable belief in the power of music to unite and uplift communities.
Michelle Schembri Lipscombe
Festival Director
Michelle is co-owner of Bloom Entertainment by Design and DESIR Wine & Cocktail lounge is emersed in Melbourne’s entertainment and events sectors. With a history of working in small events to large festivals, Michelle is well versed with running events and connected to some of Melbourne’s best entertainers. Bloom Entertainment by Design is known for working with multilingual performers and bringing the creative element of each cultures unique talent together.
With a double major in Psychology & Sociology and a work history in community work, mental health and disability, Michelle has a clear understanding of the importance of communities and cultures working together to achieve connectedness. Her work in local government, the health sector and non for profit organisations gives her a solid understanding of applying for grants and managing the process through to successful completion.
Moses S. Raju
Festival Director
Moses is a multifaceted professional with over 19 years of experience in data engineering, analytics, and risk management, combined with a dynamic presence in the local music scene. With a career rooted in leveraging data to drive insights and manage risks, Moses also brings a unique creative edge as a professional DJ, music producer, and avid vinyl collector. His blend of technical expertise and artistic passion offers a distinctive perspective on problem-solving and community engagement.
As a professional DJ, Moses has an intrinsic understanding of the local music scene, having performed at community events, festivals, and venues. His deep connections with local artists and audiences have made him a key contributor to the cultural vibrancy of the community.
He has collaborated with numerous local artists to produce music that resonates with diverse audiences, showcasing his creative versatility and passion for fostering talent.
Dr. Surjeet Dhanji
Conference Director
Dr. Dhanji is an Academic Fellow and former Director of Cultural Diplomacy at the Australia India Institute, as well as an Honorary Fellow at the Asia Institute. She coordinates the Melbourne South Asian Studies Group seminars and oversees South Asia PhD research conferences. Her research focuses on the Indian diaspora, migration, and mobility to Australia. Dr. Dhanji frequently speaks at conferences and offers media insights in her field. She is also a member of the Asia Institute’s GEM cluster. She has organised numerous cultural and music events at the University of Melbourne.
Recognising the gap between academic research in music and its real-world applications in the industry, Dr. Dhanji conceptualised the Melbourne Music Conference—the first of its kind in Australia. Her extensive work in migration, diaspora studies, and cultural diplomacy has shaped a vision where music is not just studied but actively influences industry practices, policy, and global cultural exchange.
Lorenzo Iannotti
Creative Director
Lorenzo is a highly versatile performer, blending his classical training with contemporary flair to deliver a captivating performance. He is in high demand for festivals, performing regularly at the Melbourne Italian Festival, the Italian Lavazza Film Festival, Griffith Italian Festa and Darwin Italian Festa. Lorenzo has also performed his original music in the festival scene and is currently working with his distribution company in the US and publishing company in Italy to release one of his original Italian songs later this year.
In the Italian scene, Lorenzo is celebrated for his emotive renditions of timeless classics by icons such as Andrea Bocelli, Pavarotti, and Eros Ramazzotti as well as getting everyone up on the dance floor performing hits from Umberto Tozzi, Toto Cutugno & Patrizio Buanne.
Dr. Mohit R. Pandit
Partnerships Director
Dr. Mohit R. Pandit, popularly known as "The Marketing Doctor," is a driving force behind the Melbourne Music Festival, bringing together his expertise in strategic marketing, data science, and festival impact research to create an event that goes beyond entertainment—it creates purpose.
With a PhD focused on how festivals generate co-value and purposeful impact, Mohit has spent years exploring how events can be powerful platforms for community building, cultural exchange, and social change. His deep understanding of festival economics, audience engagement, and impact measurement has been instrumental in shaping the Melbourne Music Festival into more than just a performance space—it’s a movement that brings musicians, businesses, and communities together for a greater cause.
As the producer of one of Australia’s largest multicultural music projects, "Melody Theatre," Mohit has worked with over 100+ local artists in Melbourne, producing multilingual music that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. His ability to orchestrate large-scale projects, unite artists, and create immersive experiences makes him the key figure in ensuring that every element of the festival aligns with its core mission—playing for purpose.
Dr. Subhash Challa
Strategy Director
Dr. Subhash Challa is a pioneering voice in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Australia, a trailblazer who has seamlessly integrated technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts into his life’s work. At a time when AI was still in its infancy, Dr. Challa founded a tech startup during his early academic career and successfully led it to become an ASX-listed company, setting a benchmark for innovation and resilience in the industry.
More than just a scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. Challa embodies the true spirit of creativity and thought leadership. He has not only built successful businesses but has also mentored and guided countless professors, authors, and philosophers, inspiring them to push the boundaries of their own work. His multidisciplinary approach to knowledge and innovation makes him a unique force in both academic and entrepreneurial circles.
Beyond AI and business, music and poetry form a core part of his identity. As a writer, Dr. Challa actively composes poetry in multiple languages, using his art as a medium to explore deep human emotions, culture, and philosophy. His ability to blend science, business, and the arts makes him an invaluable contributor to the Melbourne Music Festival and Conference, where he brings a visionary perspective on the intersection of technology, creativity, and purposeful impact.
Inclusivity at Core
We believe in creating an environment that is welcoming, accessible, and fair for all. Music is universal, and this festival reflects that by ensuring that:
- Emerging and established artists get the platform they deserve.
- Diversity in music, culture, and talent is celebrated.
- All contributions—big or small—are valued equally.
A Festival Where Everyone Matters
At the Melbourne Music Festival, everyone is equal—from the musicians and sound engineers to the volunteers and core team members. Every role is vital, every contribution matters, and everyone is part of the same mission. There is no hierarchy of importance—whether you’re on the main board or setting up the stage, you are shaping something powerful together.
Join Us in Making Music Matter
The Melbourne Music Festival is not just about performances—it’s about playing for purpose. Together, we are building something that will leave a lasting impact—on artists, on audiences, and on the communities we support.
This isn’t just our festival—it’s yours, too.
If you think you can contribute to this movement in any way, please reach out to Michelle or Mohit at info@MelbourneMusicFestival.com.au