Concert SeriesConcert SeriesCity of Poets: Music and Song from Khorezm to KashgarDescriptionWednesday 14 October, 2026 Doors and bar open 7pm for 7.30pm concert Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (BGLT) This concert reunites musicians across the Soviet-Chinese divide through an original exploration of the stunning maqām-based classical repertoire of the Central Asian Uzbek and Uyghur peoples. A group of leading musicians from different sides of the border, led by Uzbek tanbur, sato, dutar player and vocalist Abror Zufarov and Uyghur dutar player and vocalist Saniyem Ismail, draw on the musical and poetic connections that have been deeply submerged by the forces of 20th-century nationalism to create an extraordinary and inspiring original concert repertoire. The programme is centred around the 17th-century mystic poet and wandering dervish Baba Rahim Mashrab, who wandered the cities of Central Asia from Namangan to Kashgar, Bukhara to Khotan and whose poetry still inspires musicians on both sides of the divide. The concert will also feature prominent musicians: Guzal Muminova, Arslan Gait, Sherzod Nazarov A Central Asian Collaboration produced by Nava Arts and supported by the London-based research project, Maqām Beyond Nation Tickets are available on Nava Arts ticket platform: https://deerevents.com/city-of-poets-mystic-music-of-central-asia/ Or below for SOAS students
LUMBRE South American Roots in Contemporary DialogueDescriptionWednesday 4 November, 2026 Doors and bar open 7pm for 7.30pm concert Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (DLT) LUMBRE explores the richness of South American musical traditions through both classic repertoire and original compositions. With a distinctive line-up of voice, piano, 7-string guitar, violin and cello, the group offers an intimate concert where folk-rooted music meets influences from jazz and chamber music. The result is a vibrant yet subtle programme that highlights rhythmic depth, contrapuntal textures and the expressive potential of the ensemble. Do note this is in the DLT on the ground floor of the main SOAS building
Red River: Songs and Stories from Bengal, Bangladesh and AssamDescriptionWednesday 28 October, 2026 Doors and bar open 7pm for 7.30pm concert Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (BGLT) Join us for a border-crossing musical and literary adventure through Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh, as part of Bloomsbury Festival 2026. We’ll be treated to witty and touching readings from the epic historical novel Red River by Somnath Batabyal, bathiali gaan (Bengali boat songs), bihu geet (Assamese festival songs), goalpuria lokgeet (from lower Assam), baganiya gaan (from the tea gardens) songs of liberation from 1971 and much more. Renowned singers Sahana Bajpaie and Sohini Alam will be joined by rising star Urvi Sharma, accompanied by double bassist Ben Heartland, percussionist Himanshu Joshi and guitarist and composer Olly Weeks who has written new arrangements for these timeless songs. The evening will also feature a Q&A with the author, and copies of Red River will be available for purchase.
The magic of Georgian PolyphonyDescriptionWednesday 25 November, 2026 Doors and bar open 7pm for 7.30pm concert Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (DLT) Drawing from the ancient musical traditions of Georgia, Teona Lomsadze and Sandro Shar bring complex polyphony, improvisation and archaic tuning practices into contact with synthesisers and electronics. Traditional singing and instruments sit at the centre, whilst contemporary approaches open the music into new and experimental territory. Do note this is in the DLT on the ground floor of the main SOAS building | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
