The Darbar Festival, the world’s largest Indian classical music festival outside of India, is returning to the Barbican Centre from 24–27 October.
Renowned for its commitment to showcasing exceptional talent, the festival provides a unique platform for both the UK’s leading musicians and international artists, with a particular focus on highlighting female performers. This year, in addition to its musical performances, the festival has broadened its scope to include wellness activities such as yoga, breathwork, sound baths, meditation, family-friendly events, and lively pop-up markets.
Sandeep Virdee OBE, Artistic Director of Darbar’s Arts Culture and Heritage Trust, has been curating the festival for 19 years. He believes the significance of the festival has grown over time, and each year he feels an increasing responsibility to feature artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to perform. For Virdee, it’s essential that the festival embodies the values championed by his father—promoting Indian classical music on a global stage.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Virdee shares insights into the intricate process of curating a large-scale festival like Darbar and what it takes to ensure its success year after year.
How do you select the artists and performers who showcase such a wide range of musical expressions?
When I start planning, I begin with a blank piece of paper, and though the process may appear organic, it's quite methodical. I always aim to strike a balance between Hindustani music from the north, Carnatic music from the south, Dhrupad—the oldest form of Indian music—and percussion. A key part of my approach is to highlight rare instruments, like the sarangi, that deserve a platform. I also take time to review UK-based musicians, emerging talent, as well as masters and legends of the tradition. I keep refining the lineup until I reach a point where I can say, "Yes, I would want to attend every concert." That's when I know it's ready to go on sale.
What are some of the key elements that set this year’s festival apart from previous editions? Are there any new themes or features introduced for 2024?
Wellbeing has become an increasingly important part of the festival, and we’ve placed a strong emphasis on traditions like yoga, linking them with Indian classical music. What many wellbeing practitioners might not realise is just how powerful Indian classical music can be as a holistic art form—it has a unique ability to connect people to nature and foster deep self-reflection in a meditative way. Over the years, I’ve seen the popularity of these events grow steadily, and it’s no surprise. With the rise in mental health awareness, especially in the wake of COVID, the value of mindfulness and holistic practices has become even clearer. People are more conscious than ever about the importance of reconnecting with their bodies and minds. The festival provides a perfect space for this kind of healing and self-growth, and I believe that’s why these wellbeing-focused events resonate so strongly with our audience.
Could you share more about the importance of spotlighting female talent in the world of Indian classical music?
India has 1.4 billion people and one of the largest classical forms in the world. In a world where patriarchy reigns strong, it is essential that we have a focus giving a platform to women in music. A space where they can shine. We have always made sure that 40-50% of the curation each year are women artists, and I am always taken a back to the sheer power and talent they bring forth. This year we have some powerhouse female artists like Aruna Sairam, Ashwini Bhide, Shalmalee Joshi and Jayanthi Kumaresh, all who are returning to Darbar stage, some even for the first and some for the third time!
What role do you think Darbar Festival plays in promoting Indian classical music in Britain and internationally? How important is it for you to nurture a new generation of listeners and performers?
Our focus has always been about remarketing and rebranding Indian music into the 21st century to everyone. The more non- Asians that attend the richer the celebration in diversity. Our approach is to work with world class venues and then with television companies like Sky Arts with whom we produce two-hour long programmes that take the concerts from the theatres into people's homes. Our YouTube channel and social media takes it to millions of people across 160 countries. Finally, if you are a buff we have the Darbar Player app, where you can find the treasure chest of many of the Darbar performances on your mobile and access the music anywhere - anytime!
