The world’s largest festival of Indian classical music outside India returns to the Barbican Centre in London with a magical mix of emerging raw young talent, master performers making their UK debut, and a medley of world class legends and maestros.
From October 24-27, Darbar Festival presents the finest international and UK Indian classical musicians. Passionate about programming female artists, and offering Britain’s finest musicians, composers and singers an international platform, Darbar Festival continues to be the best place to discover the ever-evolving melody and rhythm of Indian classical music.
MORE LIKE THIS…
The 2024 programme highlights include:
Dr L. Subramaniam and Ambi Subramaniam & Amaan Ali Bangash. Dive into musical legacies and immerse yourself in mesmerising ragas in a captivating double bill.
Pandit Kushal Das & Ashwini Bhide Deshpande. A special concert that celebrates midnight ragas through India’s iconic sitar, followed by the Jaipur-Atruli style of khayal (imagination) vocal.
Genius of Aruna Sairam. Indulge in an authentic south Indian concert known in India as a kacheri, as Aruna Sairam brings her vast repertoire of raga knowledge and spiritual lyrics to London.
Pandit Anindo and Anubrata Chatterjee. Witness a much-awaited, turbo charged tabla duet by India’s finest tabla legend Pandit Anindo with his son Anubrata.
Launched 19 years ago in memory of Gurmit Singh Ji Virdee, an inspirational tabla player and teacher, the 2024 programme includes concerts, workshops, talks, free family events and a pop-up market.
His son, Darbar Arts Culture and Heritage Trust Artistic Director Sandeep Virdee OBE, shares: “Indian classical music is often misunderstood as an obscure artform that distances the audience. Far from it. With a vast repertoire of music styles and subgenres depending on your emotional state, it has the power to stir, thrill and inspire the soul.
MORE LIKE THIS…
“We are delighted to showcase the world’s finest proponents of this magical artform and welcome audiences from richly diverse backgrounds near and far.”
The DNA of Indian classical music is rooted in nature; ragas and talas are closely associated with animals, birds, weather and seasons – all of which are covered in this year’s musical line-up.
*Info: Darbar Festival 2024
