Join an all-female panel comprising three of India’s finest classical musicians.

Aruna Sairam, Jayanthi Kumaresh & Shubha Mudgal, discuss subjects ranging from the experience of courtesan artists to the challenges of succeeding as classical musicians in a male-dominated tradition.

1pm – 2.30pm (doors open 12.30pm)
Level 5 Function Room at Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre

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Darbar Festival 2016

Discover the enchanting melodies and rhythms of Indian classical music at Darbar. For thousands of years, Indian arts have used the concept of rasas, or emotions, to catalogue the feelings evoked when experiencing art, music, dance and cinema. While Mozart (1756–1791) and Beethoven (1712–73) were composing in Europe, Tyagaraja (1767–1847), Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775–1835) and Syama Sastri (1762–1827) were writing hundreds of compositions in India.

This year’s festival features a groundbreaking collaboration between Niladri Kumar, Rakesh Chaurasia and Jayanthi Kumaresh, and Matthew Barley and the Philharmonia Orchestra. There are appearances from leading lights Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandits Rajan and Sajan, Shubha Mudgal and Aruna Sairam, and morning concerts from sitarist Roopa Panesar and Dhrupad master Vishal Jain.

Beyond the music, there’s a chance to hear from a well-known couple who are both classical artists, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Subhalakshmi Khan, and a panel exploring the experiences of female classical musicians.

You can also take part in Yogabliss sessions, films and a pop-up Darbar music shop throughout the festival. This year, for the first time, there’s the opportunity to buy seats in the front rows of the hall and sit among the festival’s musicians – remember to book early.