From Within - A Winter Solstice Concert
On 21 December 2023 at Howard Assembly Room, Baluji Shrivastav OBE will be joined by Linda Shanson on vocals, Takashi Kikuchi on viola, and Yousuf Ali Khan on tabla and percussion for Winter Solstice: From Within, presented by South Asian Arts UK (SAA-uk) in collaboration with Opera North, part of The Spotlight Project 2023.
The Spotlight Project 2023 is a testament to SAA-uk's commitment to spotlighting under-represented composers, musicians, and creatives, providing them with increased opportunities to create and share their music with audiences across the UK. For Winter Solstice 2023, SAA-uk has invited the esteemed musician and composer Baluji Shrivastav OBE to respond to the theme of 'Winter Solstice'.
Blind since childhood, Baluji brings a unique perspective, using his imagination to collate sounds and images, crafting a one-hour musical piece. Adding an immersive layer to the performance is the visual projection created by sound and projection artist Dimitris Menexopoulos. Linda Shanson, a versatile artist, singer/songwriter, dancer, writer, and producer, has a rich musical history, combining jazz and Hindustani music in her compositions. Takashi Kikuchi, a skilled viola player, and Yousuf Ali Khan, a tabla and percussion virtuoso, contribute to the eclectic ensemble. Dimitris Menexopoulos, a seasoned projection, and sound artist, adds a visual dimension to the performance.
“I have often wondered how an individual who is not able to see the Northern Lights, which for me are synonymous with Winter Solstice, would visualise the beginning of this magical season. The idea of creating a musical response to the Winter Solstice came out of a conversation between Opera North and SAA-uk – in 2021 we presented Winter Solstice: Northern Lights, in 2022 Winter Solstice: Music of the Mountains and this year we invite you to experience Winter Solstice: From Within," Says Keranjeet Kaur Virdee MBE, CEO and Artistic Director of SAA-uk.
Winter Solstice: From Within promises to be a ground-breaking, immersive experience, inviting the audience into Baluji Shrivastav's inner world. The audience is encouraged to participate, further enhancing the immersive nature of the performance.
Join us at 7 pm on December 21st at Howard Assembly Room for an unforgettable evening of Winter Solstice: From Within, where tradition meets innovation, and the inner world of the artist comes to life.
Tickets cost £10 and are available here.This innovative music commission is a significant outcome of the SAA-uk Spotlight Project 2023, generously funded by PRS, PPL (Talent Development Programme), and Arts Council England.