
MUSIC FROM AFRICA, ASIA, EUROPE, the MIDDLE EAST & the AMERICAS
2024 - 2025 SEASON IN REVIEW

Robert Browning Associates and Hamad S. Haider present
Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwals
Sufi Music of South Asia
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 7:30pm
Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwals, one of Pakistan’s most popular qawwali ensembles, are masters of the ecstatic improvisational Sufi vocal tradition that aims to transport the musicians and audience closer to the divine. Qawwali songs, similar to gospel in their use of call-and-response and spiritual fervor, are accompanied by percussive handclapping, harmonium, tabla (drums), and a chorus. MORE INFO...
Fareed Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwals
Sufi Music of South Asia
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 7:30pm
Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwals, one of Pakistan’s most popular qawwali ensembles, are masters of the ecstatic improvisational Sufi vocal tradition that aims to transport the musicians and audience closer to the divine. Qawwali songs, similar to gospel in their use of call-and-response and spiritual fervor, are accompanied by percussive handclapping, harmonium, tabla (drums), and a chorus. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette present
Ali Akbar Moradi & Pejman Hadadi
Sacred Music of Kurdistan
Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 8:00pm
This concert features a rare NY appearance of Ali Akbar Moradi and Pejman Hadadi, two of Iran’s most renowned musicians. Moradi is the greatest living master of the tanbur, an ancient 2-stringed long-necked fretted lute traditionally used in religious ceremonies. Hadadi is the innovative percussionist (tombak, daf) who has been a member of the Dastan Ensemble for over 25 years and collaborated with countless master musicians in Persian and world traditions. MORE INFO...
Ali Akbar Moradi & Pejman Hadadi
Sacred Music of Kurdistan
Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 8:00pm
This concert features a rare NY appearance of Ali Akbar Moradi and Pejman Hadadi, two of Iran’s most renowned musicians. Moradi is the greatest living master of the tanbur, an ancient 2-stringed long-necked fretted lute traditionally used in religious ceremonies. Hadadi is the innovative percussionist (tombak, daf) who has been a member of the Dastan Ensemble for over 25 years and collaborated with countless master musicians in Persian and world traditions. MORE INFO...

Lotus Music & Dance in partnership with Robert Browning Associates presents
WORLD DANCE FESTIVAL:
Dancing Across Cultural Borders
Amanjeet Kaur and Tommy Wasiuta of Kathak Ensemble & Friends / Yloy Ybarra, Julia Kulakova & Urvashie Kissoon/Nadanam Collective
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM
This exciting dance festival, now in its ninth edition, features a Kathak (North Indian dance) and American tap collaboration with Amanjeet Kaur and Tommy Wasiuta of Kathak Ensemble & Friends that brings together new creative energies in a vibrant cross-cultural exchange with choreography and artistic direction by Janaki Patrik; Along the Caravan Route that highlights the connections between flamenco, Kathak and Middle Eastern (Persian) dance with Danza Espana’s artistic director Yloy Ybarra (flamenco), Bahar Dance Ensemble’s Julia Kulakova (Persian), and Urvashie Kissoon (Kathak); and South India's Bharata Natyam, one of the most complex dance forms in the world, with the Nadanam Collective featuring Jeeno Joseph and Meena Jayakrishnan Nair. Live musical accompaniment. MORE INFO...
WORLD DANCE FESTIVAL:
Dancing Across Cultural Borders
Amanjeet Kaur and Tommy Wasiuta of Kathak Ensemble & Friends / Yloy Ybarra, Julia Kulakova & Urvashie Kissoon/Nadanam Collective
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM
This exciting dance festival, now in its ninth edition, features a Kathak (North Indian dance) and American tap collaboration with Amanjeet Kaur and Tommy Wasiuta of Kathak Ensemble & Friends that brings together new creative energies in a vibrant cross-cultural exchange with choreography and artistic direction by Janaki Patrik; Along the Caravan Route that highlights the connections between flamenco, Kathak and Middle Eastern (Persian) dance with Danza Espana’s artistic director Yloy Ybarra (flamenco), Bahar Dance Ensemble’s Julia Kulakova (Persian), and Urvashie Kissoon (Kathak); and South India's Bharata Natyam, one of the most complex dance forms in the world, with the Nadanam Collective featuring Jeeno Joseph and Meena Jayakrishnan Nair. Live musical accompaniment. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette in partnership
with Flamenco Festival present
Antonio “El Turry"
featuring Paco Jarana
Flamenco Festival
La Búsqueda del Duende (The Search for Duende)
Friday, March 7, 2025 at 8:00pm
Antonio “El Turry,” acclaimed for his commanding and soulful renditions of flamenco, is one of the leading vocalists of the new generation from Granada. A rising star, he makes his solo New York
debut with La Búsqueda del Duende (The Search for Duende), which delves into the heart of flamenco's most elusive and mystical element: el duende. With his powerful, soul-stirring voice, he takes the audience on a journey through the depths of this ancient art form. MORE INFO...
with Flamenco Festival present
Antonio “El Turry"
featuring Paco Jarana
Flamenco Festival
La Búsqueda del Duende (The Search for Duende)
Friday, March 7, 2025 at 8:00pm
Antonio “El Turry,” acclaimed for his commanding and soulful renditions of flamenco, is one of the leading vocalists of the new generation from Granada. A rising star, he makes his solo New York
debut with La Búsqueda del Duende (The Search for Duende), which delves into the heart of flamenco's most elusive and mystical element: el duende. With his powerful, soul-stirring voice, he takes the audience on a journey through the depths of this ancient art form. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette in association with Brooklyn Maqam present
Nibal Malshi
Songs of the Arab World
Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 8:00pm
This captivating program of Middle Eastern songs features the return visit of the exquisite Palestinian singer Nibal Malshi, who has been noted for her evocative vocals. She graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, performed alongside master musicians, and has appeared at many prestigious venues. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored as an "Arab America Foundation 40 Under 40" award recipient in 2023. MORE INFO...
Nibal Malshi
Songs of the Arab World
Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 8:00pm
This captivating program of Middle Eastern songs features the return visit of the exquisite Palestinian singer Nibal Malshi, who has been noted for her evocative vocals. She graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, performed alongside master musicians, and has appeared at many prestigious venues. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored as an "Arab America Foundation 40 Under 40" award recipient in 2023. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette present
Guillermina Quiroga Tango Company
with the Maurizio Najt Tango Quartet
Argentine Tango: Tango Soiree
Concert followed by a milonga (dance) with live music!
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 8:00pm
Famed Argentine dancer/choreographer Guillermina Quiroga, one of the world’s leading tango dancers, will be joined by her longtime partner Mariano Logiudice, dancers Analia Carreno & Luis Ramirez and Adriana Salgado & Orlando Reyes, and the commanding Maurizio Najt Tango Quartet in a brilliant program that brings to life the passion, soul and beauty of Argentine tango. The program, Tango Soiree, features traditional tango, and modern works with some of Piazzolla's most famous compositions.
Guillermina Quiroga, called the “Queen of Tango,” is a celebrated tango dancer, choreographer and master teacher known for her appearances in tango shows on Broadway and at international festivals. MORE INFO...
Guillermina Quiroga Tango Company
with the Maurizio Najt Tango Quartet
Argentine Tango: Tango Soiree
Concert followed by a milonga (dance) with live music!
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 8:00pm
Famed Argentine dancer/choreographer Guillermina Quiroga, one of the world’s leading tango dancers, will be joined by her longtime partner Mariano Logiudice, dancers Analia Carreno & Luis Ramirez and Adriana Salgado & Orlando Reyes, and the commanding Maurizio Najt Tango Quartet in a brilliant program that brings to life the passion, soul and beauty of Argentine tango. The program, Tango Soiree, features traditional tango, and modern works with some of Piazzolla's most famous compositions.
Guillermina Quiroga, called the “Queen of Tango,” is a celebrated tango dancer, choreographer and master teacher known for her appearances in tango shows on Broadway and at international festivals. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette present
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Shakir Khan
with Anubrata Chatterjee
Indian Masters: The Storm
Father-Son Jugalbandi (duet)
Friday, April 4, 2025 at 8:00pm
The legendary Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, maestro of the sitar, and his son Shakir Khan, a dynamic young classical sitarist, unite on stage for the first time in New York, joined by Anubrata Chatterjee, one of the leading tabla (drums) players of his generation. Their program, entitled The Storm, is a musical journey that blends the richness of tradition with the vibrancy of innovation.
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan belongs to an illustrious musical family and has achieved success in not only preserving the tradition, but in pushing its boundaries to greater heights. He is the major exponent of the Etawah gharana (tradition), which was popularized by Ustad Vilayat Khan, and belongs to the seventh generation of this musical lineage. Trained by his father and guru Ustad Aziz Khan, he was recognized as a child prodigy and started performing in public by the time he was eight years old. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Government of India's Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Shakir Khan follows in the footsteps of his father and guru. From his first public performance at the age of 11, to tours with his father and appearances at India’s important music festivals, he has proved himself a worthy heir to one of the world’s oldest classical traditions. MORE INFO...
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Shakir Khan
with Anubrata Chatterjee
Indian Masters: The Storm
Father-Son Jugalbandi (duet)
Friday, April 4, 2025 at 8:00pm
The legendary Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, maestro of the sitar, and his son Shakir Khan, a dynamic young classical sitarist, unite on stage for the first time in New York, joined by Anubrata Chatterjee, one of the leading tabla (drums) players of his generation. Their program, entitled The Storm, is a musical journey that blends the richness of tradition with the vibrancy of innovation.
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan belongs to an illustrious musical family and has achieved success in not only preserving the tradition, but in pushing its boundaries to greater heights. He is the major exponent of the Etawah gharana (tradition), which was popularized by Ustad Vilayat Khan, and belongs to the seventh generation of this musical lineage. Trained by his father and guru Ustad Aziz Khan, he was recognized as a child prodigy and started performing in public by the time he was eight years old. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Government of India's Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Shakir Khan follows in the footsteps of his father and guru. From his first public performance at the age of 11, to tours with his father and appearances at India’s important music festivals, he has proved himself a worthy heir to one of the world’s oldest classical traditions. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette present
Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers
Sufi Songs of Pakistan
Friday, April 11, 2025 at 8:00pm
Pakistan’s Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers, grandsons of the revered Munshi Raziuddin, return to Roulette after their mesmerizing performances in 2019 and March of 2024.They have been acclaimed for their riveting interpretations of qawwali, the ecstatic improvisational Sufi vocal tradition made famous in the West by the late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This award-winning ensemble represents the 26th generation of the seven centuries-old Qawwal Bachon ka Gharana of Delhi founded by Saamat bin Ibrahim, the first qawwal of the subcontinent and principal student of mystic Amir Khusrau. MORE INFO...
Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers
Sufi Songs of Pakistan
Friday, April 11, 2025 at 8:00pm
Pakistan’s Hamza Akram Qawwal & Brothers, grandsons of the revered Munshi Raziuddin, return to Roulette after their mesmerizing performances in 2019 and March of 2024.They have been acclaimed for their riveting interpretations of qawwali, the ecstatic improvisational Sufi vocal tradition made famous in the West by the late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This award-winning ensemble represents the 26th generation of the seven centuries-old Qawwal Bachon ka Gharana of Delhi founded by Saamat bin Ibrahim, the first qawwal of the subcontinent and principal student of mystic Amir Khusrau. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette present
Oghlan Bakhshi & Zyyada Jumayeva
Turkmen Music from the Steppes of Iran and Central Asia
Friday, April 25, 2025 at 8:00pm
This special concert features Oghlan Bakhshi and Zyyada Jumayeva in an entrancing program of Turkmen music – music that is rarely performed in the US. Oghlan Bakhshi, a virtuoso dutar (2-stringed lute) player and bard, trained under acclaimed masters and is the first indigenous Turkmen musician to present the rich Turkmen traditional arts to Western audiences. MORE INFO...
Oghlan Bakhshi & Zyyada Jumayeva
Turkmen Music from the Steppes of Iran and Central Asia
Friday, April 25, 2025 at 8:00pm
This special concert features Oghlan Bakhshi and Zyyada Jumayeva in an entrancing program of Turkmen music – music that is rarely performed in the US. Oghlan Bakhshi, a virtuoso dutar (2-stringed lute) player and bard, trained under acclaimed masters and is the first indigenous Turkmen musician to present the rich Turkmen traditional arts to Western audiences. MORE INFO...

Robert Browning Associates, Lotus Music & Dance, and Roulette in association with Brooklyn Maqam present
Simon Shaheen Ensemble
Music of the Arab World
Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 8:00pm
Simon Shaheen is one of the world’s greatest players of the ‘ud (short-necked fretted lute that is the ancestor of the European lute) and one of the most influential Arab musicians, performers and composers of his generation. Internationally renowned, he has enthralled audiences with his mastery of both the ‘ud and violin and his brilliant improvisations. In this program, Simon Shaheen (‘ud, violin) will be joined by Nano Raies (vocal), Najib Shaheen (‘ud), Tareq Rantisi (Arab percussion), Rami Abuolaya (nay - flute), George Crotty (cello), Ameer Armaly (‘ud), and a chorus comprised of Marwa Morgan, Mohamed Salah, and Zahra Alzubaidi. MORE INFO...
Simon Shaheen Ensemble
Music of the Arab World
Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 8:00pm
Simon Shaheen is one of the world’s greatest players of the ‘ud (short-necked fretted lute that is the ancestor of the European lute) and one of the most influential Arab musicians, performers and composers of his generation. Internationally renowned, he has enthralled audiences with his mastery of both the ‘ud and violin and his brilliant improvisations. In this program, Simon Shaheen (‘ud, violin) will be joined by Nano Raies (vocal), Najib Shaheen (‘ud), Tareq Rantisi (Arab percussion), Rami Abuolaya (nay - flute), George Crotty (cello), Ameer Armaly (‘ud), and a chorus comprised of Marwa Morgan, Mohamed Salah, and Zahra Alzubaidi. MORE INFO...