91Èȱ¬

From the very best of Indian classical music to the first Bollywood Prom, 91Èȱ¬ Proms celebrates Indian Voices

With some of the biggest stars of Indian music today, Indian Voices day at the 91Èȱ¬ Proms on Sunday 16 August is packed full of concerts and events devoted to India's vibrant vocal music and dance.

There are two main concerts in the Royal Albert Hall, starting with influential and talented performers from the Khyal tradition in the morning, and ending with a Bollywood spectacular in the evening, which treats the audience to an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

The day also provides plenty of extra opportunities for audiences to get involved, with free performances and workshops in Kensington Gardens during the afternoon.

Morning Ragas: 10.30am-1.30pm (Royal Albert Hall)

The morning concert – broadcast live on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3 – offers an insight into the North Indian classical style known as Khyal, featuring Pandit Ram Narayan, Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Manjiri Asnare Kelkar and Asima, making rare UK appearances.

Award-winning Pandit Ran Narayan is widely regarded as one of the greatest living players of the sarangi (short-necked fiddle) and has elevated the instrument's profile worldwide. Praised by legendary western classical musicians Mstislav Rostropovich and Yehudi Menuhin, he has taken the sarangi out of its traditional role accompanying singers and dancers and has cemented its status as a solo instrument in its own right.

Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra represent the Varasani tradition and are considered among the foremost singers in India today. They are recognised for their intonation, virtuosity and imagination and produce performances of great innovation and vibrancy.

Manjiri Asnare Kelkar of the Jaipur Khyal School also stars in the morning concert. The young singer is a rising star of North Indian classical singing and is a beacon for the younger generation.

Vocal ensemble Asima bring yet another dimension to the varied morning concert. Created and led by Australian-born Devissaro, the group, who hail from Kerala in South India, use harmony and counterpoint to contrast India's solo traditions, creating a unique sound but one which remains distinctly Indian. Their repertoire ranges from Vedic chant to contemporary pop.

The featured morning artists are joined on stage by Aruna Narayan (Pandit Ram Narayan's daughter), tabla players and virtuosic brothers Akbar and Babar Latif (sons of the late Ustad Latif Ahmed Khan) and harmonium player Sudhir Nayak.

Free Afternoon Events: 2.00– 6.00pm (Kensington Gardens)

Free afternoon performances and workshops in Kensington Gardens include a display of Indian folk music and dance from Gujarat and the deserts of Rajasthan, showcasing the rich and vibrant vocal traditions from these regions.

The Gujarati artists, who come from Surendranagar in Gujarat, perform the famous traditional 'circle dances' known as ras and garba and the Rajasthani musicians include outstanding young talented artists, evidence that the great traditions of folk music are still alive.

Audiences can also enjoy a showcase of the very rare ghoomer dance, which is normally only performed in the palaces of Rajasthan.

It is a great opportunity to see and listen to rarely heard folk music and dance.

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the range of activities on offer.

The Bollywood Family Orchestra and Chorus offer the opportunity to participate musically with special guests Bollywood Brass and there are also free Bollywood dance workshops on offer for everyone.

To take part in the family orchestra, please register online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009/takepart.

As part of this year's Proms Literary Festival, audiences are also invited to attend the free Proms Plus event at the Royal College of Music from 5.45 to 6.30pm where award-winning author Jamilia Gavin and 'Binglish' theatre director Jatinder Verma explore the tales and myths which have inspired Bollywood classics.

Evening Concert: 7.30-10.00pm (Royal Albert Hall)

The day culminates in an all-singing, all-dancing Bollywood musical spectacular – broadcast live on Radio 3 – hosted by popular Indian TV talent show host and award-winning singer Shaan.

Having performed some of the most famous songs as a 'playback' singer for successful Bollywood films, Shaan has become a household name and is a favourite amongst audiences. He performs at the Prom with his band, The Groove, while Honey's Dance Academy entertains with the best of Bollywood dance.

Event information: Sunday 16 August 2009

Indian Voices 1 – Khyal and Kerala
91Èȱ¬ Proms, 10.30am-1.30pm
Royal Albert Hall
Tickets £14/ £17.50

Proms Family Orchestra/Afternoon activities - Gujarati ras and garba and Rajasthani folk
Proms Plus, 2.00-6.00pm
Kensington Gardens
Free

Proms Literary Festival
Proms Plus, 5.45pm
Royal College of Music
Free

Indian Voices 2 – Bollywood with Shaan
91Èȱ¬ Proms, 7.30-10.00pm
Royal Albert Hall
Tickets £7 - £35

Ticketing information

Available in person from the Royal Albert Hall box office (no booking fee) from 9.00am to 9.00pm daily, or via telephone 0845 401 5040 and online at bbc.co.uk/proms (booking fee applies).

Up to 1,400 Promming (standing) places available on the day at £5 each.

91Èȱ¬ Proms Publicity