A Global Celebration Begins: Serendipity Arts Festival Launches 10 Year Anniversary Tour in Birmingham
Serendipity Arts Festival, one of South Asia’s most celebrated multi-disciplinary arts festivals, is set to make its highly anticipated UK debut with a special Mini Edition in Birmingham from May 23–26, 2025, presented in collaboration with Birmingham City University (BCU). This event marks the beginning of the Festival’s 10-year anniversary celebrations, which will unfold across ten cities around the world and culminate in the flagship festival in Goa this December.
Bringing together live performances, exhibitions, masterclasses, pop-up libraries, and cross-cultural dialogues, the Birmingham edition celebrates the Festival’s ethos of viewing individual artistic practices as part of a broader, interconnected cultural narrative. Known for its bold, interdisciplinary programming, Serendipity Arts Festival continues its commitment to bridging geographies, mediums, and communities—this time by connecting South Asian traditions with Birmingham’s dynamic cultural scene.
Reimagining Tradition: Thumri in the Chamber
At the heart of the Birmingham programme is ‘Thumri in the Chamber’, a reimagined take on the semi-classical Hindustani vocal tradition, Thumri. This curatorial focus blends poetic storytelling, melodic improvisation, and contemporary interpretations, inviting audiences to experience Thumri as both a musical and cultural prism. The theme will be reflected in performances, lectures, and artistic interventions, offering a compelling blend of the traditional and the modern.
Programme Highlights
Exhibitions & Installations
- Zakir Hussain Maquette by Dayanita Singh – A photographic homage to the tabla legend, offering glimpses into his life and legacy.
- Eternal Echoes – A curated archive of Indian musical instruments from the collection of Sunil Kant Munjal, curated by Helen Acharya.
- Pop-Up Library: History of Indian Instruments – Curated by Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, featuring rare books and live readings by local authors.
Talks, Lectures & Workshops
- Remembering Zakir Hussain – A tribute conversation led by filmmaker Sumantra Ghosal and others who worked closely with the maestro.
- Scoring to Picture – A masterclass on music composition for film, hosted by Zubin Balaporia and Sameer Patwardhan.
- The Art of Taal – A collaborative workshop on rhythm and improvisation with Gino Banks, Zubin Balaporia, and Ojas Adhiya.
- Daily Conversations – Book readings and history talks by Birmingham-based authors and cultural historians.
Performances & Concerts
- Sempre Fado – Antigo e Novo – A concert of Portuguese-Goan melodies performed by Zubin Balaporia, Nadia Rebelo, and ensemble.
- Across Oceans – A cross-cultural jazz performance blending Indian and Western traditions.
- Banda Brasileira – A Brazilian musical celebration led by Shanti Jayasinha and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire artists.
- Echoes of Elegance – A soulful evening of ghazals and classic Bollywood, featuring Priyanka Barve and Sarang Kulkarni.
- RBC Folk Ensemble Showcase – A genre-defying performance fusing folk, jazz, and global rhythms.
- Thumri in the Chamber – Grand Finale Concert – A culminating reinterpretation of Thumri by leading artists including Vijay Prakash and Priyanka Barve, accompanied by a live string quartet.
Film Screenings
- The Speaking Hand – A documentary on Zakir Hussain’s musical journey by Sumantra Ghosal.
- Indian Music on Film – A curated marathon by Dharmesh Rajput exploring Indian music through the lens of cinema.
This four-day event also offers immersive cultural experiences and culinary delights, echoing the Festival’s philosophy of making the arts accessible, interdisciplinary, and socially relevant.
A Global Cultural Exchange
The Birmingham edition is not just a preview—it is a strategic collaboration between Serendipity Arts and BCU, reflecting a shared commitment to creativity, diversity, and global engagement. Festival activities will unfold across iconic BCU venues such as the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Symphony Hall, with student involvement at the forefront of programming and logistics.
A Prelude to the Goa Festival
The Mini Edition in Birmingham sets the stage for the tenth edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival, taking place in Panjim, Goa from December 12–21, 2025. For more details on the global tour and the Goa festival, visit www.serendipityartsfestival.com.
Featuring Image Courtesy: Serendipity Arts Foundation
Contributor
