Midday Mantra: Burns and Beyond
Join Sampad and B:Music for a daytime Burns Night Celebration.
Midday Mantra: Burns and Beyond will premiere a new collaboration between tabla player Mendi Singh and Scottish Fiddle player Ruth Lindsay. This unique performance will blend the rhythmic intricacies of the tabla with the deep melodies of traditional Scottish music, evoking a South Asian tribute to Burns Night.
As well as music, audiences can expect traditional folk dancing with a South Asian twist from Morris-Natyam, an innovative exploration of two entirely different styles of dance: Bharatanatyam and Morris.
A Burns Night event would not be complete without a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, which will be led by singers Sumitra Ghosh and Adi Ray.
Mendi Singh is an accomplished percussionist with over 30 years of experience. He has collaborated with artists like Peter Gabriel and Take That, performing at renowned venues globally. Mendi also dedicates his career to teaching marginalised communities, particularly visually impaired individuals. In partnership with Arts Council England, Mendi has led various projects, such as the Tap Along and Creative Change Projects. Currently, he leads The Sight of Sound, a multicultural initiative for teaching visually impaired people music.
Ruth is a versatile fiddle player specialising in Scottish and Irish traditional music. Growing up in Scotland, she began playing for Scottish Country Dance events. Ruth has built a career in folk and classical music, performing with Midlands-based artists and theatre companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company. A founding member of Bonfire Radicals, she collaborates with singer-songwriter Katy Rose Bennett. Ruth is also a dedicated fiddle teacher and founder of Birmingham Folk, a company promoting traditional music through workshops. Passionate about global music, she has studied with renowned teachers and regularly participates in international folk festivals.
What is Midday Mantra?
Sampad’s Midday Mantra series stands as a celebration of South Asian musical traditions, enriching cultural experiences for audiences. In collaboration with B:Music, this programme encapsulates classical, folk, and contemporary styles, creating a captivating blend of world-class performances. Renowned musicians showcase their talents, providing a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural exploration.
Each installment of Midday Mantra is a journey into the soul-stirring melodies that define South Asian music. The series invites audiences to immerse themselves in the rich sounds of traditional ragas and contemporary compositions. By bringing together top-tier musicians from across the world, Sampad contributes to the preservation and evolution of South Asian musical heritage.
Midday Mantra is more than a concert series; it is a cultural odyssey that transcends boundaries, fostering appreciation and understanding of the diverse musical traditions that shape the South Asian diaspora.
Join Sampad and B:Music for a daytime Burns Night Celebration.
Explore the rest of the series!
2nd Nov – PAST Midday Mantra: Diwali Festival of Light
12th Apr – Midday Mantra: Vaisakhi Celebration
24th May – Midday Mantra: An Afternoon of Qawwali
19th Jul – Midday Mantra: Summer Serenade
20th September – Midday Mantra: International Day of Peace
Event Muiltbuy Offer: 2+ Events = 10% Discount, 4+ Events = 15% Discount, 6 Events = 20% Discount
