Norwich Ragas: Piano & Slide Guitar Unbound

Norwich Ragas: Piano & Slide Guitar Unbound

By KalaSudha

Piano & Indian slide guitar exploring timeless ragas, anchored by tabla—Norwich celebration of Indian classical music, part of KalaFestival.

Date and time

Location

The Assembly House

Theatre Street Norwich NR2 1RQ United Kingdom

Lineup

Agenda

6:30 PM

Raga Pianist Deepak Shah with Saleel Tambe

Deepak Shah

Saleel Tambe

Pundit Debasis Chakroborty and Ustad Akram Khan

Debasis Chakroborty

Akram Khan

Good to know

Highlights

  • 2 hours, 30 minutes
  • UNDER 14 WITH PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN
  • In person
  • Paid venue parking
  • Doors at 6:00 PM

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 30 days before event

About this event

Arts • Musical

Fellow Norwich music lovers, we're thrilled to bring something truly special to our beautiful city this autumn—a magical evening of Indian classical ragas at our beloved Assembly House on September 19th.

As part of this year's Kala Festival, we've arranged an intimate double bill that shows how traditional Indian music can speak to us all, regardless of cultural background:

Norwich has rarely heard anything like pianist Deepak Shah's imaginative takes on ancient Indian ragas. His delicate piano work, paired with Saleel Tambe's hypnotic tabla rhythms, creates a heartfelt bridge between East and West. If you've ever enjoyed the piano performances at our local venues, prepare for something that will expand your musical horizons.

After the break, we welcome the extraordinary Pundit Debasis Chakroborty, whose Indian slide guitar produces hauntingly beautiful sounds that seem to float through the historic rooms of The Assembly House. With him, we have Ustad Akram Khan on Tabla, 7th Generation exponent of the Ajrara Gharana, considered to be one of the six main traditional schools of tabla in India

This isn't just a concert—it's a chance for our community to experience something unique in our city centre. Bring friends, make an evening of it, and add another memorable night to our rich local culture.

Doors open at 6:00, and music starts at 6:30. Between sets, there will be time to chat with fellow music lovers over refreshments.

See you there, Norwich!

^^ A video from the archive (Kala Festival 2023)

Frequently asked questions

What time does the event start and finish?

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with performances starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening should conclude around 9:00 pm, with a short interval between the two performances.

Is seating reserved or general admission?

All seating is unreserved. We recommend arriving early to choose your preferred seats.

Do I need to know about Indian classical music to enjoy this event?

Not at all! While enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the technical brilliance, these performances are accessible and very moving for everyone. The artists often share brief insights about the ragas being performed.

Can I purchase tickets on the door?

If the event hasn't sold out, tickets will be available at the door. However, we strongly recommend booking in advance as our intimate Norwich concerts often sell out quickly.

What is a raga?

A raga is a melodic framework in Indian classical music that conveys specific moods and emotions. Unlike Western scales, ragas have distinct ascending and descending patterns, as well as characteristic phrases, which give each its unique character.

How long is each performance?

Each performance will be approximately 60 minutes long, with a 15-minute intermission in between.

What is Kala Festival?

KalaFestival is an Indian classical music festival organised by KalaSudha, bringing world-class musicians to venues across the UK in September 2025. This Norwich event is part of the festival's commitment to bringing exceptional Indian classical music to communities across the nation.

Is The Assembly House accessible?

Yes, The Assembly House has wheelchair access and accessible facilities. It has step-free access at both main entrances and has accessible toilets. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us in advance if you have specific requirements so we can ensure the best experience.

Is there parking available?

The Assembly House has limited parking available (30). There are also several public car parks within walking distance, including The Forum (206 spaces), Chantry Place at Chapelfield (1,000 spaces) and The Chantry (90 spaces).

Organized by

KalaSudha

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£25 – £40
Sep 19 · 6:30 PM GMT+1