Following a fantastic Autumn 2024 Season of Indian Arts & Culture, we are delighted to look back on some highlights and share these memories with you all.
28 September 2024, 7:30 pm
Our opening show of the season saw us take a short trip across the Mersey to Birkenhead’s Future Yard, where Wirral-born Bass virtuoso Shez Raja stunned audiences with his high energy performance stuffed full of thundering funk, tuneful ragas and intoxicating grooves. Drawing in a huge crowd that packed out the venue, audiences experienced Raja’s unique “Indo-jazz-funk” sound, showing a different side to the genre that audiences may have not witnessed before.
Leading an outstanding lineup of sax sensation Vasilis Xenopoulos, Chris Jerome (Courtney Pine) on keys and rising drum star Jamie ‘Drumcat’ Murray, Raja put on a remarkable show that will not easily be forgotten in Milap’s history.
2nd October 2024, 1:00pm
We were thrilled to be welcomed back to The Tung Auditorium on two occasions for our Autumn season this year.
The first involved an invigorating lunchtime concert of classical north Indian Hindustani music featuring the captivating vocals of Dr. Vijay Rajput. The powerful, meditative ragas transported listeners to the very heart of north Indian music, with Rajput’s mesmerising sound taking centre stage.
Accompanied by an incredible roster of musicians including Kousic Sen on tabla, Kirpal Singh Panesar on esraj and Professor David Clark on harmonium, the soulful blend of classical, folk and Bandish compositions was the perfect way to unwind during the lunch hour.
26th October 2024, 7:00pm
The second performance at The Tung Auditorium featured an evening show from world-renowned maestro of the veena, Rajhesh Vaidhya. The specially curated set of ragas chosen for the evening showcased Vaidhya’s exquisite style on another level, captivating the audience with his exhilarating speed and quality.
Vaidhya’s intricate playing style was beautifully complimented by three powerhouse Indian percussionists, Sai Giridhar on mridangam, Kousic Sen on tabla and Pujenthan Sivagurunathan on the Kanjira. This particular quartet, composed entirely of highly revered Indian classical musicians, elevated the performance to new heights.
Pujenthan Sivagurunathan (Kanjira)
25th October –
5th November 2024At the end of October, we were proud to be spearheading Liverpool city region’s celebrations for Diwali with an expanded programme of events for 2024.
This Autumn, our debut partnership with River of Light showcased an Indian-inspired light installation, perfectly timed for Diwali. Internationally renowned Sri Lankan artist Murugiah presented his highly acclaimed work ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’ on the Liverpool Waterfront. The piece was a three-dimensional sculpture representing the interconnectivity of existence; a diagram of the cosmos.
Accompanying the spectacle, the incredibly talented Piano Bhav prepared a beautiful selection of Bollywood melodies to play alongside the installation, taking River of Light goers on a journey into the cosmos in Murugiah’s work.
To ring in the joy of Diwali this year, we also collaborated with Europe’s leading Indian brass band Bombay Baja Brass. Combining popular Indian melodies with the powerful rhythms of the Dhol, the ensemble created an ecstatic carnival atmosphere of colour and fun. Audiences were blown away on the day with three live outdoor performances of Bollywood and Bhangra dancing and music that everyone got stuck into.
2nd November 2024
Our Autumn 2024 Diwali celebrations also saw the return of collaborations with Bundobust and The Reader.
Joining forces with Liverpool & Manchester’s favourite Indian street food restaurant Bundobust, we had a weekend-long special set menu of nostalgic dishes. Filled with Desi food, drink, arts, crafts and culture, we welcomed families for a beautiful Diwali celebration symbolising joy, new beginnings and hope.
Teaming up with The Reader’s Story Hunters for another year, we also explored the Indian festival of light by sharing some Diwali inspired stories and crafts. Engaging little ones from across the city region, we loved sharing the message of Diwali and hearing them create their own magical tales in our workshops.
15th November 2024, 7:00pm
Bringing our season to a close, we returned to the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room for an evening with celebrated musician, composer and sarod player, Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty. Accompanied by tabla maestro, Kousic Sen, listeners were taken on an immersive and spiritual journey, celebrating the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Indian culture with two traditional Indian instruments. The evening was truly a masterclass in improvisation from two musicians who have collaborated together for over 30 years.
