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The Bhavan Centre

What's On @ The Bhavan Centre

Sitar Repair Workshop - By Shambhu Gupta And Smt. Punita Gupta
We are proud to announce a unique sitar maintenance workshop by Shambhu Gupta and Punita Gupta . In this workshop participants would learn the basic skills to maintain their sitar in a good form, and get in-depth insight into changing strings, polishing frets, tying frets, dealing with tight or loose pegs. This will be a hands-on workshop at The Bhavan's M.P. Birla Art Gallery. Spaces are limited to 20 participants. Please bring your sitar to the workshop. Sun 15 June | 10.30 am - 4.30pm | 35 ABOUT Shambu ji is a scientist, an engineer and an expert in Sitar maintenance. He repaired sitar for Ravi Shankar for 40 years. Punita ji is a prominent Sitar player and teacher and a senior disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar. PICTURED BELOW - SHAMBHU GUPTA REPAIRING ANOUSHKA SHANKAR'S SITAR
Les Belles-Surs

Les Belles-Surs

4 Jun 2025 - 6 Jun 2025

Nous sommes en 1965, Montral, dans un quartier populaire. Germaine Lauzon, mre au foyer, vient de gagner un million de timbres GoldStar qui lui permettront d'obtenir gratuitement tout un tas d'quipement lectromnager, d'objets de dcoration, des meubles... Comme dit sa fille Linda : "Un million, a en fait des timbres coller !". Heurseusement, Germaine a eu une ide : organiser "une party de collage de timbres". Elle invite ses soeurs, sa belle-soeur, et ses voisines. Mais le bonheur des uns ne fait pas toujours le bonheur des autres. La soire qui devait tre joyeuse et conviviale, va tourner au vinaigre ! Les Belles-surs , cre en 1968 est un monument du Thtre qubcois, et ceci pour plusieurs raisons : - Elle est trs bien crite : il n'y a aucun temps mort et on rit beaucoup. - Elle tmoigne d'une ralit propre la socit canadienne des anns soixante. Contrairement la France, il n'y a pas encore de sparation entre l'Eglise et l'Etat. Il y a comme une chappe de plomb. Michel Tremblay, avec cette pice, jette un pav dans la mare, et participe lui aussi la fameuse "rvolution tranquille" qui durera jusqu' la fin des annes 70. - C'es l'une des premires pices crites et joues en joual, le langage qubecois des milieux populaires. Le joual est marqu par des carts phontiques, lexicaux et des anglicismes. La pice Les Belles-surs a t traduite en diffrentes langues et continue de se jouer travers le monde (Allemagne, Brsil, Canada, Ecosse, Espagne, Etats-Unis, France, Irlande, Isral, Italie, Japon, et Pologne). Le magazine LIRE l'a classe dans sa liste des 49 pices inclure dans la bibliothque idale du thtre des origines nos jours.
Bharatanatyam by Pallavi Anand

Bharatanatyam by Pallavi Anand

7 Jun 2025 - 7 Jun 2025

Pallavi presents an evening of Bharatanatyam exploring the different facets of love A heroines confessions to her friend about her king whom she longs to be with, a courtesan reprimanding her lover for seducing her with clever words but hollow promises, and a wife spending one last night with her husband before he departs for war. Joining Pallavi on stage will be a distinguished musical ensemble led by Sri. Mavin Khoo. Nattuvangam by Sri Mavin Khoo Vocals by Sri. Vamshikrishna Vishnudas Mridangam by Sri. Prathap Ramachandra Flute by Sri. Vijay Venkat. About the artist: Art and aesthetics form the warp and weft of the fabric of Pallavis life. She began dancing almost right from the start - learning both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam from her mother, Smt. Shalini Shivashankar (who is the Director of the Upahaar School of Dance in London, UK). She deepened her immersion into natya under the guidance of teachers at the Bharata Kalanjali School of Natya, Chennai founded by Natyachaaryas, the Dhananjayans as well as with Smt. Bragha Bessell. Since 2020, Pallavi has studied and performed under the mentorship and guidance of Sri Mavin Khoo. It is an artistic relationship that has refined her technique, added nuance to her understanding and continues to peel back layers of the art form.
Odissi Sandhya - An evening of enchanting Odissi performances
Have you ever imagined sculptures coming to life, swaying gracefully to the mystical melodies of East India? This evening, witness that very enchantment as the dancers of Nritya Alaap bring to life the timeless beauty of Odissi. Join us for an evening of divine surrender and artistic splendora celebration where performers and spectators alike immerse themselves in the elegance, spirituality, and profound grace of Indian classical dance. Alongside Odissi, the stage will also welcome talented guest artistes presenting other classical dance forms, creating a vibrant tapestry of Indias rich cultural heritage. This performance will be narrated in English and songs in Sanskrit, Oriya and Hindi. About the artist: Gairika Mathur, a lawyer and disciple of Guru Madhulita Mohapatra, founded Nritya Alaap in 2018 to promote the grace of Odissi dance. Dedicated to artistic excellence, Nritya Alaap has performed at prestigious venues and annually hosts Odissi Sandhya, celebrating classical dance and empowering communities through creativity and movement.
Father's Day Double Bill Concert: Sarangi and Flute
Sarangi by Harsh Naryan | Sponsored by Dr. Radha Bhat : Harsh Narayan is a leading sarangi player of the younger generation, renowned for his mastery of Hindustani Classical Music. Born into a legendary musical lineage, he is the grandson of sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan, the son of sarod virtuoso Pandit Brij Narayan, and the nephew of Aruna Narayan Kalle. Training under his grandfather since the age of six, Harsh has honed a deep, expressive style that reflects his rigorous musical heritage. An A-graded artist of All India Radio, he has performed and recorded with acclaimed musicians worldwide. His solo albums, Scintillating Sarangi (Times Music, 2016) and Dhanurvadya (Tala Records, 2020), showcase his virtuosity and commitment to keeping the sarangi tradition alive. Flute by Pravin Godkhindi | Sponsored by Kamini & Vindi Banga Banga Trust: Pravin Godkhindi is an eclectic classical flautist, performing Hindustani music on the bansuri. He studied under his father Pandit Venkatesh Godkhindi, an exponent of the Kirana gharana, as well as Carnatic mridangist Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma. He incorporates Carnatic rhythm into his playing, and in 2015 became the first to perform Indian classical music on the 8-foot-long contrabass flute.
Dr. Swapnokalpa Dasgupta - ODISSI RECITAL |  Summer School Teachers'Concert Series 2025
Dr. Swapnokalpa Dasgupta will present an Odissi performance at the Bhavan as part of the Summer School teachers' concert series 2025. About the artist: Dr. Swapnokalpa Dasgupta is an acclaimed Odissi dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Mumbai. A student of Padmavibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and his disciples, she has led the Dance Department at the NCPA for 13 years. She is the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and the Kanak Nartan Puraskar. Holding a doctorate in Dance and a Masters in Arts Management, she founded the Odissi department at The Bhavan, London, and frequently conducts workshops worldwide.
Vidushi Ruchira Panda - HINDUSTANI VOCAL CONCERT | Summer School Teachers'Concert Series 2025
Vidushi Ruchira Panda will present a Hindustani vocal concert at the Bhavan as part of the Summer School teachers' concert series 2025. Accompanied by Summer School Teacher Pandit Bivash Sengupta on Tabla. About the Artists: Vidushi Ruchira Panda, a leading exponent of the Kotali Gharana, trained under Pandit Manas Chakraborty for over 25 years. She is known for her mastery of Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, and Bhajan, and is an "A" grade artist with All India Radio. Founder of the non-profit Paramparik, she actively promotes cultural, educational, and healthcare initiatives. Pandit Bivash Sengupta trained under Padmabhushan Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh for 18 years and later under Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. A Gold Medalist from Pracheen Kala Kendra, he is an A-Grade artist with All India Radio & Television and an empaneled artist of ICCR & SPIC MACAY. He has performed worldwide, collaborating with maestros like Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Pandit Kushal Das.
Dr. S. K. Venkatacharyulu - KARNATIC VOCAL CONCERT | Summer School teachers'Concert Series 2025
Dr. S. K. Venkatacharyulu presents a Karnatic Vocal concert as part of the summer school concert series 2025. Accompanied by Vidwan M Balachandar on Tabla Mridangam and Vidwan Balu Raguraman on Violin. About the Artist: Dr. S.K. Venkatacharyulu is a highly respected Carnatic vocalist with over 60 years of experience. Trained by Vidwan S.K. Tirumalacharyulu and Dr. Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana, he holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Music. A recipient of numerous accolades, he has performed globally and mentored many musicians. He is the founder of the Pallavi Academy of Fine Arts.
Dr. ABHAY SHANKAR MISHRA - KATHAK CONCERT | Summer School Teachers'Concert Series 2025
Dr. Abhay Shankar Mishra will present a Kathak recital at the Bhavan as part of the Summer School teachers' concert series 2025. About the artist: Dr. Abhay Shankar Mishra is one of the leading exponents of Kathak dance in the UK and in the world today. A mesmerizing performer, dynamic teacher, and creative choreographer of Kathak, Abhay currently lives and works in India. Born into a family steeped in musical tradition and trained under world-renownedGurus, namely Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, Smt Urmila Nagar Ji and late Pandit Pandey Maharaj, Abhay had the unique experience of learning all three of the major Gharanas of Kathak, i.e., Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras. He draws on his vast experience to achieve a beautiful blend of all three Gharanas in his work.
Dr. SOUNDARYA SRIVATHSA - BHARATANATYAM CONCERT | Summer School Teachers'Concert Series 2025
Dr. Soundarya Srivathsa will present a Bharatanatyam performance at the Bhavan as part of the Summer School teachers' concert series 2025. About the Artist: Hailing form the Pandanallur School of Dance, Dr. Soundarya Srivathsa, a disciple of Guru Smt. Narmada and Guru Smt. Bhanumathi, is known for her precise footwork and consummate abhinaya. Along with her singer-husband, D.S Srivathsa, she heads the institute NARTANA KEERTANA Centre for Performing Arts. A doctoral degree awarded by Bangalore University for the thesis on the 'Application of classical Dnace forms in South indian Cinema.' 'Thyagaraja', 'Padmanabha Namostutae', 'Jagadanandakaraka', 'Ambae', 'Draupadi', 'Maitreyi', 'Sister Nivedita' and 'Sapthagiri' are some of the highly successful dance productions that she choreographed. she teaches at the Jain University as a guest faculty for the post graduate students in dance.
Guru Vanashree Rao & students - KUCHIPUDI CONCERT | Summer School Teachers'Concert Series 2025
Guru Vanashree Rao & her students will present a Bharatanatyam performance at the Bhavan as part of the Summer School teachers' concert series 2025. About the Artist: A celebrated Kuchipudi dancer, choreographer, and guru, Guru Vanashree Rao has received over 600 national and international awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. She has pioneered cross-disciplinary choreographic works, blending Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Chhau.
Summer School Finale - Day 1

Summer School Finale - Day 1

9 Aug 2025 - 9 Aug 2025

Celebrate the talents of all the students as they perform on the Bhavan stage as a part of the Summer School 2025 finale. TICKETS - 14 at the venue/12 if booked online. Use the code 'BVB2025' to get your discount while booking
Summer School Finale - Day 2
Days out
Traditional & Heritage

Summer School Finale - Day 2

10 Aug 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Celebrate the talents of all the students as they perform on the Bhavan stage as a part of the Summer School 2025 finale. TICKETS - 14 at the venue/12 if booked online. Use the code 'BVB2025' to get your discount while booking
"Fagun Fest", hosted by Bengal Heritage Foundation at TheBhavans
Bengal Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with The Bhavans and Contact Base, India, proudly presents Fagun Fest 2025, an immersive cultural experience that brings the soul of Bengal to the heart of London. This annual celebration of Bengals artistic and musical heritage will take place on 31 May 2025, Saturday at The Bhavans, London. Additional collaborators include London Sharad Utsav and banglanatok.com, further enriching the events cultural diversity and reach. The central theme of Fagun Fest is Bringing the Soul of Bengal to the Heart of London, encapsulating the essence of India and Bengals rich cultural traditions and artistic vibrancy. The festival aims to bridge communities by showcasing traditional Indian art, music, and culinary heritage to a global audience, creating a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation. Fagun Fest 2025 will feature three distinct segments that celebrate Indias artistic and cultural diversity: 1. Artworks of India 2. Traditional Food from India 3. Music from Bengal The festival will be hosted at The Bhavans, London, providing an immersive setting where visitors can experience Bengals artistic brilliance, indulge in its rich culinary traditions, and be mesmerized by the melodies of its musical heritage. The evening promises to be a cultural spectacle, fostering deeper connections between communities through the shared love for art, food, and music. Flow of the Event 330 pm - Door opens for handicraft exhibition (Kantha and Warli Painting) and traditional food stalls 530 pm - Music performance starts 830 pm - Programme closes Fagun Fest 2025 aspires to be more than just an event; it is a cultural movement that transcends borders and generations. Through this festival, Bengal Heritage Foundation and its collaborators seek to create a vibrant space where heritage meets contemporary expressions, ensuring that the timeless traditions of Bengal and India continue to inspire and enthrall audiences worldwide. Join us in celebrating the heart and soul of Bengal in London!
Echoes of Tradition: Indian Slide Guitar, Tabla & Instrumental Duet
Something extraordinary is about to unfold. Three of Indias finest musical traditions will converge on a London stage for the first time in a dialogue that promises to be as historic as it is hypnotic. Pt. Debasis Chakroborty of Senia-Maihar tradition takes the stage first with his Indian Slide Guitar. There's magic in the way he plays - that it becomes more than an instrument in his hands. It breathes. It remembers. Each note hangs in the air just a heartbeat longer than you expect, pulling you forward in your seat. You don't just listen - you find yourself waiting to see where the next phrase will lead. Youll hear why few artists master its subtlety; its not about technique alone but about patience, about letting each note breathe. Alongside him, Pt. Sanju Sahai (tabla) needs no introduction. Hailing from the Benares gharana, where rhythm flows like the Gangessometimes serene, sometimes torrentialhis accompaniment will be more than percussion; itll be a conversation. Then, the moment Londons Indian classical community awaited: Pt. Sanju Sahai meets Ustad Akram Khan in a tabla duet for the ages. With its poetic fluidity, Sanju Jis Benares style dances with Akram Jis Farrukhabad approacha school where precision meets explosive creativity. When these two share a stage at the Bhavan in September, its not just a performance; its a rare glimpse into how tradition breathes and evolves. Why youll remember this night: - The first-ever London meeting of these tabla legendsgharana traditions colliding live. - The slide guitars elusive magic, played by a true inheritor of its secrets. - That electric moment when two masters listen, challenge, and uplift each other in real-time. So this is going to be one of those rare nights where music becomes more than performanceit turns into an experience you'll carry with you. When artists of this calibre share a stage, every moment feels fleeting and precious. Don't miss your chance to be part of it.
The Music of Natures timely rhythms and melodies by Reshma Srivastava
Reshma has had interactions with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, world renowned expert in consciousness. Maharishi's insights into the profound nature of Gandharva Veda have developed the experience of bliss and joy for the artist performing this music, in its purest form. The soothing, balancing influences of sound are expressed through improvisations of the notes of a raga on the Sitar inspiring balance in mind, body and the environment. Resulting in stress reduction on the levels of physical health and social well-being and an overall harmonious perspective. She will be accompanied by highly acclaimed tabla player Pt. Rajkumar Misra.Reshma Srivastava, is an internationally acclaimed Sitarist from Allahabad who started training from the age of six in a distinguished musical lineage, she is an A-Grade artist for All India Radio & Television, with over four decades of experience. Reshma has performed across India, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., earning prestigious awards like the U.P. Sangeet Natak Academy Award (2016) and Surmani. She has also played for the President of Cyprus and alongside Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia.
Nrityanjali - A Divine Celebration of Dance
We present a mesmerizing blend of Kathak and contemporary interpretations, along with performances deeply rooted in traditional Kathak. This event wil showcase beautifully choreographed pieces that embody grace, rhythm, and storytelling, taking the audience on a journey through spiritual and moral themes. Kavita Gupta is a professionally trained Kathak dancer with over 15 years of experience, performing across India, Hong Kong, and London. She trained at Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya and Gandharva Mahavidyalaya under renowned gurus Sushree Vasanti Vaishnav, Ritesh Sharma.
The Art of Classical Slide Guitar – A Workshop by Pt. Debasis Chakraborty
undit Debasis Chakroborty is an internationally renowned Indian Classical Slide Guitarist, deeply rooted in the Senia-Maihar Gharana and trained under the legendary Pandit Brij Bhushan Kabra. He has mastered both the Gayaki (vocal-inspired) and Tantrakari (instrumental) styles. An A-grade artist of all India Radio and Doordarshan, he has performed extensively. He continues across India, USA, UK, Australia, Europe, China, Malaysia, and Singapore, captivating global audiences with his unique blend of melody and rhythm. Apart from his international performances, His collaborations with Western jazz musicians have led to groundbreaking projects. Pandit Chakroborty is an Artist-in-Residence at leading institutions, including Monash University (Australia) and California State University, Fresno (USA). He has conducted masterclasses and research in world music, inspiring musicians worldwide. He has received prestigious awards, including the Gaurav Ratna Award (2023), the National Artist Award (2018), and the Gandharv Samman (2017). His contributions to music and academia are unparalleled. He has published extensively and continues to shape the future of Indian classical music through his research, mentorship, and spellbinding performances. About the Workshop This workshop provides a structured journey from fundamentals to advanced artistry, revealing hidden secrets like synchronisation techniques. Through live Q&A and interactive sessions, participants can engage directly with the maestro. Open to all passionate learners, it welcomes guitarists (acoustic/electric), slide guitar enthusiasts, sitar and violin players to explore slide techniques. Even music lovers curious about the fusion of ragas and slide guitar will find it enriching. (Intermediate skill recommended, but not mandatory.)
Tabla Tales: Unveiling the Secrets of Rhythm with Ustad Akram Khan
Join Ustad Akram Khan, one of the finest Tabla Players in India and the torchbearer of Ajrada Gharana, one of the 6 main Gharanas (Schools) of tabla. This exclusive workshop will put the limelight on the tabla's rich tradition and Intricacy, especially the Ajrada Style (Known for its precise execution and sophisticated techniques) — an Opportunity for Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Tabla Students to learn from the maestro. Workshop Highlights: An overview of the Mastery of the tabla 1. Understanding the Basics of Tabla • Tabla Structure: The tabla consists of two drums—the bayan (left drum) and the dayan (right drum). The dayan is usually made of wood, while the bayan is typically made of metal or clay. • Tunings: Learning to tune both drums to the correct pitch is fundamental. The dayan is tuned to the tonic note (Sa) of the raga or the piece being played. 2. Fundamental Techniques and Bol (Syllables) • At the core of tabla playing are the bols, distinct syllables corresponding to specific strokes on the drum. These bols, like dha, tin, na, and tu, form the basic vocabulary of tabla rhythms. A beginner learns to articulate these bols with clarity and precision, gradually combining them to form simple compositions called thekas. 3. Mastery of Taal (Rhythmic Cycles) • Indian classical music is structured around specific taals, or rhythmic cycles. Common taals include Teentaal (16 beats), Ektaal (12 beats), and Jhaptaal (10 beats). Mastery of the tabla requires an in-depth understanding of these cycles, as well as the ability to maintain the steady rhythm while navigating complex variations. 4. Developing Hand Techniques and Control Each hand and finger plays a vital role in creating different tonal qualities: • The dayan is struck with the index and middle fingers to produce bright, high-pitched sounds. • The bayan requires a more extensive use of the palm, thumb, and little fingers to generate resonant, bass tones. A skilled tabla player develops control over these techniques to produce a wide range of sounds, from delicate, soft notes to forceful, resonating ones. Precision in hand positioning, finger placement, and pressure control is essential for refining these skills. 5. Theory & Tradition Along with technical skills, a tabla master has in-depth Knowledge of Indian classical music theory, including the concept of “layakari” (timing) and the intricacies of taals. 6. Speed and Precision Progressing from basic strokes to more complex rhythms demands the ability to play faster sequences without sacrificing clarity. Speed and precision are cultivated over years of practice, starting from slow tempos and incrementally increasing the speed. The balance between speed and accuracy is a hallmark of tabla mastery. 7. Creative Improvisation and Expression One of the most distinctive aspects of tabla playing is the ability to improvise. Advanced players express their creativity through intricate variations and spontaneous compositions. The tabla solo (or tukda) expresses rhythmic virtuosity and innovation. Mastery in improvisation is achieved by understanding the nuances of rhythm, musicality, and the traditional framework within which the player operates. 8. Accompaniment In addition to solo performances, the tabla is often played in accompaniment to other instruments or vocalists. Accompanying artists require understanding the raga (melody) and taal (rhythm) of the piece being performed. A tabla player must adapt their playing to complement the melodic flow of the other musicians while maintaining rhythmic integrity. 9. The Guru-Shishya Tradition​ Learning the tabla is traditionally passed down through the guru-shishya (teacher-student) system, where knowledge is transmitted directly from master to disciple. This mentorship fosters technical skill and a deep emotional and spiritual connection to the music. The relationship with a guru is crucial in progressing from a student to a master of the instrument. 10. Mental Focus and Physical Endurance Becoming a tabla master requires not just physical dexterity but also mental focus. The intricate patterns of rhythm and melody require sustained concentration and mental discipline. In addition, the physical demands of long practice sessions help build endurance, enabling the tabla player to perform for extended periods with energy and clarity. 11. Practice and Discipline: Like any form of Mastery, becoming proficient on the tabla demands years of practice under the guidance of a guru (teacher). The discipline of consistent practice is crucial to refine technique and increase musical expression.
Khayal & Thumri of the Benaras Gharana by Vidushi Sunanda Sharma
Workshop led by Vidushi Sunanda Sharma, will delve into the classical and semi-classical styles of the Benaras Gharana. Participants will explore key forms, vocal techniques, and stylistic expressions that bring the gharanas legacy to life.Which will be followed by an enchanting evening of classical and semi-classical music by Sunanda Ji. She will present the rich tapestry of the Benaras Gharana through Khayal, Thappa, Thumri, Dadra, and Kajri. The performance will celebrate the delicate nuance and emotive depth that define this unique musical tradition. Get Tickets for 10 When You Book Both Events! When booking your ticket for either the workshop or the concert, select Continue Shopping before checkout to add the second event. Once both tickets are in your basket, the total will automatically be 10.

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