Immerse yourself in Indian classical music through Khayal, Bhajan, Taraana and the energy and excitement of Sufi music.

Southampton-based Indian classical singer Pooja Angra leads a distinguished quartet of musicians as she premieres her new project.

Creative Unity explores both poetry and music compositions from medieval India (8th to 16th century). This period saw an influx of embracing languages, cultures, and music traditions from various other parts of the world. Great poets and composers of the era such as Meera, Baba Nanak, Tulsidas, Kabir, Bulle Shah and Amir Khusrow created many masterful works. These creations acted as a catalyst for social inclusion.

The poems were composed in a variety of languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Avadhi, Braj and Urdu. They carried rich messages on moral values, social awakening and societal beliefs.

Pooja is joined by her brother Karan Rana, tabla player Mitel Purohit and sitar player Baluji Shrivastav OBE. Their heartfelt music weaves medieval poetry into musical threads built on rich Indian classical music traditions. Tonight, the group’s captivating compositions showcase the art of improvisation.

Pooja Angra vocals, harmonium

Karan Rana vocals, harmonium

Mitel Purohit tabla

Baluji Shrivastav sitar

with students from the University of Southampton Music Department

Presented by Turner Sims in association with Art Asia