The UK’s leading Indian Arts organisation, Milap, continues to pave the way for Indian live music and dance in Liverpool this autumn, announcing a fresh roster of incredible artists for their upcoming season.
Kicking things off in October, Milap’s very own ensemble Tarang presents bespoke arrangements of new contemporary Indian music, as part of The Tung Auditorium’s lunchtime concert series on Wednesday, 7 October.
Tarang is an innovative Indian music collective bringing together the UK’s most exceptional young professionals. Far from a standard ensemble, Tarang is defined by its contemporary interpretations of Indian classical music, reflecting the global influences and diverse cultural environments experienced by this generation of British-born Indian musicians.
Produced by Milap, this lunchtime concert features bold, innovative repertoire, from the intricate structures of Carnatic and Hindustani music to global contemporary influences. Highlighting a world premiere by Liverpool’s tabla maestro Kousic Sen and works by Hariharan and Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, Tarang delivers a fresh, sophisticated, and entirely unique sonic identity.
Showing at Unity Theatre on Friday, 9 October, multi-award-winning dancer, choreographer and movement director Sonia Sabri invites audiences on a journey where beautiful Kathak dancing meets soulful Indian music, illuminated by candlelight.
Starting out in her role as a tutor for Milap’s flagship Dance India programme, Sonia has gone on to become one of the world’s leading Kathak dancers and one of the most inspirational British-born dancer-choreographers of the twenty-first century. Amongst many of her accolades, she founded the UK’s leading and award-winning contemporary South Asian dance company – some dancers of which will be performing alongside Sonia on the night.
‘NIDA’ blends wordless storytelling, beatboxing, intricate rhythms, mime and percussive dance – inviting audiences to step away from the stresses and challenges of everyday life. Featuring live music from the rare and hypnotic Santoor, this piece is a feel-good performance demonstrating the beauty of Indian dance and music.
Renowned for creating intimate and special live music experiences, Milap once again heads to Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room for the soulful sounds of Sandip Chatterjee & Kousic Sen on Friday, 30 October.
At the heart of the evening is the Santoor – a magnificent, hundred-stringed hammered dulcimer played with breathtaking dexterity by Sandip Chatterjee, a recipient of the President of India Award. Its rippling bell-like tones and delicate melodies fill the space, offering a meditative and peaceful atmosphere – suitably complemented by Kousic Sen’s energetic and rhythmic mastery on Tabla, adding a perfect grounding pulse.
Whether you are an Indian music aficionado or looking to experience something entirely new, this performance promises to be an uplifting and deeply moving experience.
A fitting season finale comes in the form of Roopa Panesar (pictured), one of the finest sitar players to ever emerge from the UK.
Returning to The Tung Auditorium on Friday, 27 November, for an evening of breathtaking virtuosity, Roopa is known for her captivating emotional depth, staggering technique and her effortless ability to blend Indian Classical music with jazz and Western classical influences.
Over the course of her career, Roopa Panesar has performed at major global venues, from London’s Barbican and Darbar Festival to New York’s APAP – and her recent critically acclaimed album ATMA (The Soul) reflects her profound musical virtuosity, solidifying her reputation as a leading light of the British Asian diaspora.
For this special performance, Roopa is joined by Kousic Sen. Their musical partnership is a long-standing one; in 2011, Milap produced Roopa’s debut album, Khoj, which featured Kousic’s masterly accompaniment — an early milestone in a collaborative relationship that continues to flourish on stages worldwide.
Expect an emotional and immersive evening – and a true masterclass in Indian Classical live music.
Image: Roopa Panesar
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