Concert SeriesConcert SeriesAn Evening of Thai Classical Music In Memory of David W. HughesDescriptionWednesday 18 November, 2026 Doors open 7pm for 7.30 pm concert Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (BGLT) This concert presents traditional Thai music performed by a distinguished ensemble of renowned professional musicians from Thailand, SOAS alumni, and members of the Thai Music Circle in the UK. The programme features a selection of Thai classical music including solo pieces and ensemble performances. Some of the selected works have a special connection with Dr. David W. Hughes, including pieces he performed, and music learned and performed by former SOAS students. The concert pays tribute to Dr Hughes who was a key supporter of Thai music activities at SOAS, honouring his lasting legacy and significant contribution to the promotion and development of Thai music.
Arabic Open Mic Night: End of Year EditionDescriptionWednesday 16 December, 2026 Doors open 7pm for 7.30 pm concert Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre (BGLT) Are you ready for a proper end-of-year celebration, bringing you festive music from the region? Marsm’s end of year Open Mic edition will host around five acts with 1-2 pre-prepared songs to perform for the audience, accompanied by the wonderful core band. AFTERWARDS, the stage is open to the audience! The theme of this event is festive music from our region. Think Christmas, Fairuz, sitting around the heater at home with chestnuts baking and tea brewing. Whether you want to take the stage or just sit in the bliss of the atmosphere, bring your mittens and join us! If you would like to share a festive song you used to hear or sing growing up, email the host at sarah@marsm.co.uk to book your slot or find Sarah on the night to sign up. Otherwise, grab a ticket in advance and tell your friends! The Open Mic welcomes a beautiful, supportive community from across the Arabic-speaking world and diaspora. SOAS students can use the ticket link below This event is produced by Marsm.
LUMBRE South American Roots in Contemporary DialogueDescriptionWednesday 4 November, 2026 Doors and bar open 7pm for 7.30pm concert Kamran Djam 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 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 Himanish Goswami and guitarist and composer Olly Weeks who has written new arrangements for these timeless songs. The evening will open with words from SOAS Professor Laura Hammond, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Knowledge Exchange and Professor of Development Studies at SOAS and a Q&A between Dr Rohit Dasgupta and author Somnath Batabyal. Chai and samosas will be served 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 (with special guests still to be announced) 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. This event is in partnership with BGS (British Georgian Society) Do note this is in the DLT on the ground floor of the main SOAS building
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