April 1, 2024 | 3:00PM
International House
The tabla, a pair of hand drums prominent in a variety of South Asian musical traditions, traces its origins to ancient Indian percussion instruments. The modern tabla emerged around the 18th century, likely in the Delhi area in India. Its development was influenced by various cultures, including Persian, Arabic, and Central Asian.
Mir Naqibul Islam shares the historical background of the instrument, how it has evolved, the present status of tabla, and how it is used to create music across genres, along with the phases of life that a tabla player or South Asian classical musician generally experiences. The discussion is paired with a traditional North Indian classical tabla solo performance with harmonium accompaniment by Tomal Hossain.
A reception will follow.
This program is supported in part by the Birendra K. and Anila Sinha Fund for Indian Performing Arts at International House.
Free and open to the public.
*Please use the Dorchester Ave. entrance at the International House