Bookings for this event have now closed as we have reached capacity.
This event is free and open to all. Donations can be made to Afghan Aid.
6:30pm – Concert with John Baily, Veronica Doubleday and Sulaiman Haqpana
7:30pm – Drinks reception
Performed by:
John Baily rubab and dutar (types of Afghan lute),
Veronica Doubleday vocal and daireh (frame drum)
Sulaiman Haqpana tabla drums
This concert of traditional music from the court and folk repertoires will feature instrumental pieces and songs. Veronica will introduce the instruments and explain the context and meaning of each piece.
Between 1973 and 1977 John Baily and Veronica Doubleday lived in Herat, in western Afghanistan, where they studied with local musicians and undertook detailed ethnomusicological research. John is Emeritus Professor of Ethnomusicology, and Head of the Afghanistan Music Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London, and author of several important books on Afghan music. Veronica is known for her acclaimed memoir, Three Women of Herat, and other publications on Afghan women’s music. As a duo, or working with other noted Afghan musicians, they have given concerts all around the world.
Sulaiman Haqpana is from a Herati family. He learned to play tabla in Pakistan, following his family’s migration there in the 1990s. He has seven years of professional experience working for the United Nations and international NGOs in Afghanistan and is currently a doctoral researcher at Brunel University’s Department of Education. He has previously performed in concerts at the British Museum, SOAS University, the House of Commons, and Oxford’s Holywell Music Room.
The concert will be followed by a short Q & A. Proceeds will go to Afghanaid (www.afghanaid.org.uk)