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.

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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:

Lecture: An Introduction to Qawwali Music
May 15, 2024 | Get your tickets here

Saami Brothers Qawwali
May 18, 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.