In Hinduism, music and dance are used to evoke the presence of God and be a channel between the sensory and divine. Leading British Indian cultural organisation Subrang Arts collaborates with the Indian Choir, Bharatiya Vrund Gaan, to present ‘Rang Dhvani – The Sounds of Colour’ on this note.
Led by Artistic Directors Rakesh Joshi and Choreographer Harsha Amin, the collaboration seeks to explore the power of music and dance.
“We were thrilled to be working with top musicians like Rakesh Joshi, Raaheel Husain (Sitar), Robin Christian (Bansuri), Saleel Tambe and Hemant Bhatt on tablas. The whole choir is energetic and excited about the project. Subrang dancers have injected a lot of energy and vitality into the project.
“What is unique about this project is that it is an intergenerational project with a full choral sound of rich melodies and tonal variety,” said Subrang Arts Chairperson Lata Desai.
The ‘Rang Dhvani’ shows will be staged at the Epsom Playhouse, Epsom, on April 30 and then a second one at Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth, on May 14.
“Dance translates the soul-stirring sentiments of musicians into a visual form where both work together to connect the artist and audience to an elevated, spiritual realm of enjoyment. The lyrics of a song alone can evoke so many emotions, but when interpreted through dance, the impact can last a lifetime,” explained Desai.
“Through ‘Rang Dhvani’, Subrang Arts aim to explore all the colours or Rang of emotion that can be experienced in the sweet sound or Dhvani of music,” she said.
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The shows will present songs rooted in the philosophical bhakti bhava to ecstatic Sargam and Tarana sung by the choir and brought to life by dancers.
“We are dedicated to bringing out the best in our students, striving for excellence and fostering a sense of pride and achievement. Traditional song and dance are integral to Indian culture, but these important art forms will disappear without support,” said choreographer Harsha Amin.
The Raas Leela of Radha and Krishna will paint a picture of Sringara, the rasa of beauty and sensuality. The performers will create synergy on stage to bring to life a landscape of emotion through Indian music and dance, the organisers explained.
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Subrang Arts is a registered charity dedicated to the promotion and development of South Asian art and culture in the UK.
*Ticket info: Epsom Playhouse; Watersmeet Theatre