DARBAR 2011

The 6th Annual Darbar Festival –  Celebrating the astounding melodies of Indian Classical Music

London – 28th March 2011, The 6th Annual Darbar Festival returns to Kings Place, London’s fantastic state of the art venue. A four-day extravaganza of “the highest quality performances of Indian classical music” BBC Radio 3

Darbar Festival is the biggest classical music event of its kind in UK. Taking place from 21 – 24 April, the 4-day event will bring together an extravagant array of musicians from the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. A celebration of classical music from across the Indian sub-continent, the festival will feature live concerts of internationally acclaimed artists; ancient vocal traditions; talks with the performers; master class workshops.

This year’s vibrant line up of artists includes great maestros, new talent to the UK and the very best of home grown UK talent, including the finest and charismatic Roopa Panesar on sitar, Tarang – the UK’s Indian classical music ensemble, Kadri Gopalnath – India’s Saxophone legend, Madras String Quartet and Gurdain Rayatt – regarded as UK’s finest upcoming Tabla artist.

The South Indian / Tamil talent at this years event 

Indian classical innovations : Ensemble Tarang and Madras Quartet : Thursday 21st April : View event details

Indian Vocal Traditions : Sameehan Kashalkar & Unnikrishnan : Friday 22nd April  : View event details

Veena Lecture / Demonstration by World Routes protege Hari Sivanesan : Saturday 23rd April : View event details

Carnatic Saxaphone Melodies with Kadri Gopalnath : Sunday 24th April : View event details

Beyond the ticketed events, this year Darbar Festival goers will also be able to experience a range of free events; the exciting opportunity to experience Gowati – a multi screen, surround sound installation art project and daily Hatha Yoga classes by qualified yoga teacher Kanwal Aluwalia.

The Arts Council England, Sky Arts and BBC Radio are also official partners for Darbar Festival. The Darbar Festival will be filmed and broadcast on Sky Arts. Sandeep Virdee, Artistic Director of the Darbar Festival "We are delighted to be celebrating Indian classical music in the UK for the 6th year running. The Festival gives us the opportunity to create a magical mix  – the great masters, hidden talent from India together with up and coming homegrown British talent – all of whom shine on the same platform. The result is that you can touch the deep musical culture of India right here in UK."