Dhrupadhamar: the music of Gods and kings
by Northern Life
Dhrupadhamar
SAA-uk (South Asian Arts-uk) is hosting an evening concert of the duo Dhrupadhamar, composed by musicians and early music scholars Jasdeep Singh and Kirit Singh. Held on Friday 9th February at Seven Arts, the concert will start at 7.30pm with an introductory talk and will be followed by the intense vocal and percussion performance.
This event is concluding SAA-uk’s Autumn-Winter concert season, which has been exploring the rich tradition of South Asian music.
Dhrupadhamar are two artists committed to reviving a rich music tradition originated from the 1st Century BCE, and demonstrating its relevance in the 21st Century. The duo’s name derives from the Indian words ‘Dhrupad’ and ‘Dhamār’, two of the oldest existing forms of Indian classical music. But if the nature of Dhrupad is spiritual – seeking to induce deep feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener – the one of Dhamār is seen as a relatively light and romantic one, as often associated with the Holi Spring Festival of colours. The mix of these two opposite elements, sacred and secular, devotional and entertaining, has survived through the millennia. The same chanting that resonated in the temples of pre-medieval India, came to be patronized by the royal courts in the 15th Century, and the singers who’s once faced the divinity, where then performing in praise of India’s emperors.
The pure nature of Dhrupad still survives today in the style and musicality which Dhrupadhamar bring to this sacred tradition. Their determination and devotion to these music forms represents their individual, inspired musical journeys to date.
Behind the Dhrupadhamar name, there are the two affirmed artists and scholars Jasdeep Singh and Kirit Singh. Kirit is a disciple of the renowned Dhrupad torchbearer, Pt. Uday Bhawalkar ji, and Jasdeep is one of the few disciples of the world’s leading exponent of the Jori tradition of Punjab, Ustad Sukhvinder Singh ‘Pinky’ ji. Both Jasdeep and Kirit discovered music in their early teens, and today they are both working towards academic research to reveal the roots of the ancient music they perform.
In addition to Dhrupadhamar’s performance, the two artists will introduce the audience to the fascinating history and technique of the ‘Dhrupad’ and ‘Dhamār’ styles, with a brief and informative pre-show talk.
Tickets are £12 (£8 reduction) and the convivial atmosphere of Seven Arts Leeds, with its cafe/bar area, will enhance an already rich musical experience with the opportunity to spend a relaxed and magical Friday evening with family and friends.
Tickets can be bought in advance and on the door. Box Office: 01132445523.
