MUMBAI: In its endeavour to promote the rich heritage of India Banyan Tree has been presenting the works of Saint Poets of India as one of its annual concerts.

Last year, to highlight and celebrate the works of  two great geniuses Hazrat Amir Khusrau and Saint Kabir the concert was presented in Mumbai which was appreciated really well and received an overwhelming response. Post this success, Banyan Tree is presenting the thematic concert yet again; aptly titled Khusrau-Kabir across centuries…

India has been blessed by the presence of several poet saints through centuries. Among the most revered and popular from north India are Hazrat Amir Khusrau and Saint Kabir. This concert Khusrau-Kabir, celebrates the rich legacy of the two great geniuses whose works continue to guide us even today.

Venue: Nehru Centre Auditorium, Worli

Date: 22 June 2013

Time: 6:30 pm

About Hazrat Amir Khusrau:

A great poet, an accomplished linguist, skilled warrior, prolific writer and, a great musician, Amir Khusrau had all the name, fame, wealth and success at his feet all his life. However, for the layman, least concerned with the history and political upheavals of the period, he remains a great mystic, a Sufi saint, a Sufi poet. His works were source of pride and happiness for many. He not only created tomes of creative prose and poetry but also contributed in the making of hallmark instruments of Indian classical music - the Tabla and the Sitar. More than 700 years have passed nevertheless Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s immense contribution to the world of Indian art is truly unmatched. 

About Saint Kabirdas:

One of the most loved and revered mystics of India, Saint Kabirdas was a fearless poet, reformer, critic, seeker and spiritual master all rolled into one. He spoke against all hypocrisy in the society regardless of its religious roots. His works abounding in spiritual wisdom, universal love, oneness of all creation and above all, about the spiritual path and gratitude to the Satguru, continue to inspire people from all walks of life beyond the divides of age, nationality, religious preferences and cultural differences.

Featuring some of the finest artistes of the country, the concert will bring alive the rich poetry of the two.

This year this specially designed festival named after these stalwarts, will feature…

•  Madan Gopal Singh & Char yaar (Khusrau & Kabir)

•  Mukhtiyar Ali & group (Kabir Panthi songs)

•  Warsi Brothers & group (Qawwali)

About the artistes

Madan Gopal Singh & Chaar Yaar (Punjab):

Madan Gopal Singh is an Indian composer, singer, lyricist, actor, screenwriter, film theorist and editor. He and his group Chaar Yaar have been performing extensively in India and abroad for the last 8 years. A collective that pushes audiences into realms of divinity, comprises of four fantastic musicians who share a passion for all things 'wordly' wise. They combine the Sufiana kalam with traditional folk sounds which is exceptional. They have had the honour and privilege of performing at some of the most prestigious international festivals.

Mukhtiyar Ali (Rajasthan):

Mukhtiyar has a voice which can only be experienced and never expressed. He has preserved the ideology of Sufiana Music which impels divine communion with an ectasy created in total detachment. He pervades this very essence of sufiana qalam with his involvement not just in the music but also in its poetry. He blends the Rajasthani folk idiom with refined classicism to sing the poetry of saint Kabir.

Warsi Brothers & group (Hyderabad):

Hailing from Hyderabad, the Warsi Brothers are among the most sought-after qawwals not just across India but around the world. Nazeer Ahmed Khan Warsi & Naseer Ahmed Khan Warsi are the recognized for the Traditional Qawwali, Ghazals, Thumri as well as classical music. Infact they are the descendents of a disciple of Hazrat Amir Khusrau.Their performances are known for rich poetic repertoire and instant connect with the audience.

About Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Events is a pioneer in the promotion of India's vast treasure of rare performing arts. For 18 years now, we have built numerous platforms to put a spotlight on the artists and art forms not just from India but also from other countries. Needless to say, we share an excellent rapport with the artiste community extending over almost 2 decades. Some notable examples of our national events are-

•  Ruhaniyat - The biggest All India Sufi & Mystic Music festival, 

•   Barkha Ritu - The biggest all India monsoon music festival, 

•   Dakshinayan - A treat of Carnatic music

•   The Splendor of Masters – featuring maestros from around the world

Banyan Tree’s Khusrau – Kabir is a tribute to these supreme saint poets and remembering their unmatched and extraordinary contribution to world of Indian Performing Arts.

Donor cards/ Tickets (Denominations- INR 500, 400, 300, 200) available 17 June onwards at Rhythm House and Nehru Centre.