A superb, all-female group of Indian Carnatic musicians, led by Latha Ramchar – the only lady khanjira (small tambourine) player in India. Living up to the name ‘SHAKTI' (the female energy and force in our life and nature), this unique group of six female musicians is highly talented and very powerful. The addition of a saxophone player amongst a group of traditional musicians adds great interest and flair.

The real Indian music is to be found in the voice – the basis for all music in India. Hindustani vocal music is recognised for its incredible virtuosity, technique, intonation and melodic beauty. To listen to these two first class singers of North Indian Classical music is an experience not to be missed, one which can be spiritually uplifting as well as awesome. Both artists sing in the Amir Khan gayaki, a tradition named after the legendary late Ustad Amir Khan.

Enter the global sound world of Mrigya, a unique fusion band from Delhi which presents a rich blend of blues, funk, latino and Indian Classical music. Mrigya stretches the boundaries of music with a sound that unites the world as one family, a philosophy which is demonstrated in the term “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam”. Mrigya became the first Indian band to get a 4 star rating with the Scotsman at the 2001 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is an experience not to be missed!

Kagura is one of the oldest surviving forms of performing arts in Japan and has had an influence on Noh and Kabuki. The origins of Kagura can be traced back to Japanese Shinto mythology where it is represented in a famous story about the Goddess of the Sun – Amaterasu. Kagura is performed with masks representing various Gods and accompanied by traditional instruments and singing. This is a rare opportunity to experience the enchanting performances of Kagura in the UK.

Time and tide stand still when Ustad Ghulam Ali occupies centre stage and unlocks the eternity of emotions that run through his exquisite rendering of the ghazal. Ghulam Ali is probably one of the biggest names in the music of the South Asian sub-continent and is one of the pioneers responsible for reviving the beautiful style of ghazal in the seventies.

Shawm band musicians are the gypsies of China, and the Hua family band are among the most exhilarating. Led by master musicians Hua Yinshan (shawm) and his older brother Hua Jinshan (drum), they are busy performing for funerals and calendrical ceremonies. In 2002 the band scored a big hit at Yo Yo Ma’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington.

Following the success of the Nizami Brother’s debut UK in 2004, the singers return their cousins from Pakistan spirit of friendship and co-operation between India and Pakistan. The group perform devotional music rooted in the Sufi mystical traditions which is both lyrical and vitally rhythmic.

Traditional mask dances are a vibrant, living tradition in West Java, Indonesia and the Cirebonese mask dance style is known for its vitality, startling energy, stamina and spirit. Dhalang Rasinah is a maestro of Indramayu mask dance (Topeng Indramayu) and at the age of 75 she has great passion and energy to dance. In this tradition the mask is sacred and is believed to possess mystical powers.