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.

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