Free concert - an exploration of the musical heritage of Bengal
The region of Bengal (comprising the country of Bangladesh, as well as the Indian state of West Bengal) has the richest musical tradition in the entire Indian subcontinent. The tradition dates back to the time of the Vedic seers, but over the centuries it has been influenced by the many spiritual currents that have passed through the lands, from devotional Hinduism to the Sufi branceh of Islam. Many of the songs have a universal appeal to Bengalis, and are sung by people across the land regardless of caste or religion.
This evening will feature the songs of Bengal’s most revered poet and songsmith, Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore (1860-1941), and its most prolific composer, Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007), who wrote over 13,000 Bengali songs.
The artists
Avik Deb is an accomplised singer from northern Bangladesh, and a graduate of the renowned Shurer Dhara music school in Dhaka under the expert tutelage of Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, one of the world’s foremost singers of Rabindrasangeet (Tagore songs).
Accompanying himself on harmonium, he will also be joined by Sadanand Magee on tabla, who has performed in over 20 countries as part of the international Songs of the Soul concert series. Avik is currently on a short tour playing concerts in the UK and Ireland.
For more information call 085-1450880, or get in touch with us on our contact form
Stories
First-hand experiences of meditation and spirituality.
A New World
Apaga Renner Graz, AustriaIn the Whirlwind of Life
Pradeep Hoogakker The Hague, NetherlandsAll I needed was the Supreme, and I would always win
Pragati Pascale New York, United StatesThe day I saw my Guru's Third Eye
Vidura Groulx Montreal, CanadaSeeing the God inside my son
Utsahi St-Armand Ottawa, CanadaCelebrating birthdays at Guru's house
Devashishu Torpy London, United KingdomIs it unspiritual to care about winning?
Tejvan Pettinger Oxford, United KingdomMuhammad Ali: I was expecting a monster, but I found a lamb
Sevananda Padilla San Juan, Puerto RicoIn the middle of an ocean of love
Bhadra Kleinman New YorkThe most beautiful and fulfilling of all possible experiences
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New ZealandThe day I made a useless and ridiculous weightlifting machine for Guru
Devashishu Torpy London, United KingdomThe Ever-Transcending Goal
Preetidutta Thorpe Auckland, New ZealandSoul-Birds take flight
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New ZealandSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students