Presented by Small World Music and the Aga Khan Museum

Join us for an evening of music and poetry as we explore the rich legacy of Hazrat Amir Khusrau and Saint Kabir Das.

Among the most revered and popular poet saints in India, both Khusrau and Kabir spoke of love unabashedly. A love that went beyond gender, colour, caste and creed.

Khusrau and Kabir’s work is rooted in devotion, discipline and multi-ethnicity. Khusrau represents a pluralistic identity and is credited with the creation of musical styles including Khayal, Tarana, Qawwali and Ghazal. Through them, he explores his poetic abilities to express love and devotion for the Higher being, while Kabir’s works urge people to look within and suggest that true God is within the person who is on the path of righteousness.

ALL TICKETS INCLUDE SAME DAY ADMISSION TO THE MUSEUM

About the Artists:
Ramneek Singh is an internationally acclaimed vocalist, proficient in musical genres like Khayal, Tarana, Thumri, Shabad, Bhajan, Sufiana and Folk. Hailing from the rich lineage of Ustad Amir Khan of Indore Gharana, she carries forward these traditions in North America. She runs the "Sur-rang Music Academy' and has trained several students all over the world while also showcasing her music through performances and workshops. Being a recipient of several awards globally, she is also known for her song in the Deepa Mehta film, "Midnight's Children.”



Ustad Naseeruddin Saami started his training at the age of 10 years. His style of singing is called ‘Sudh Bani’. From 1958-62 he trained with his grand uncle Sardar Khan in Lahore. A strict follower of his family tradition, Ustad kept ‘Sur’ as the most important component of his singing. An expert in Khayal Gaiki, Ustad offers a heartfelt rendition of the raga, manifesting the emotions which are mentioned in the bandish. Versatile, he also sings Sadara, Thumri, Tarana and Dadra.

Ustad Saami has performed khayal in various festivals like WOMAD, WOMADelaide, Le Guess Who?, Roskilde Festival, Oster Festival and in countries such as: India, USA, France, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.



Sushant Anantharam had his formative training in the harmonium from Smt. Sarita Kulkarni & Sri. Anand Shanbhag, and later received advanced training under the tutelage of Sri. Giri Varadarajan. He performed his debut harmonium concert in the year 2008, and has since performed several harmonium concerts in Canada, USA, India and UAE. Since then, he has accompanied several renowned artists such as Vid. Sanhita Nandi, Vid. Radhika Chopra, and more. Sushant is also a trained Hindustani classical vocalist. Currently, he is receiving advanced vocal training from Sri. Narendra Datar, while also performing concerts in the Greater Toronto Area.

Rigved Deshpande is an accomplished tabla player with over 18 years of experience in accompaniment, having studied under the guidance of esteemed gurus Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze, Shri Swapnil Bhate and currently from Pt. Ramdas Palsule for the past 6 years. He has also received vocal lessons from Pt. Suresh Bapat (पंडित सुरेश बापट) for 8 years. Rigved has accompanied renowned artists such as Vidushi Padma Talwalkar, Pt. Ajoy Chakraborthy, Pt. Shaunak Abhisheki, Archana Kanhere, and Shri Mahesh Kale, among others. He has performed in various prestigious events such as Sawai Gandharva-Bhimsen Mahotsav in Pune, Devgandharva Mahotsav in Mumbai, Sur Mansoor Festival in Mumbai, Raagmala Toronto and more.

The Art of Devotion
This performance is part of the Art of Devotion Series - an exploration of Qawwali music. Don't miss the rest of the series:
Saami Brothers Qawwali
October 19, 2024 | Get your tickets here

Thank you to our Community Partners Virasat and The Tawoos Initiative. 

The 2024 Small World Music Series is sponsored by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and funded by the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.