On September 30, 2024, at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) in Dubai, a mesmerizing Sufi Kathak fusion performance and musical tribute marked the celebration of Rumi’s 817th birthday. The event beautifully blended Sufi music with the grace of Kathak dance, transporting the audience into a world of spiritual artistry.
The evening opened with a soulful rendition of Sufi songs, with vocals and dotar performed by Khalil Sheikh, whose deep voice captivated the audience. Accompanying him was Hooman Shirali, playing the oud with mastery, adding a rich melodic layer to the performance. The rhythmic foundation was laid by the talented Sandeepan on the tabla, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
The highlight of the night was the graceful Kathak Sufi fusion dance by Swarashri Shridhar, whose fluid movements embodied the essence of Rumi’s mystical poetry. Her performance seamlessly intertwined traditional Kathak with Sufi whirling, creating a visual symphony of rhythm, grace, and devotion.
This enchanting event not only paid homage to the legendary poet Rumi but also served as a testament to the power of art in bridging cultures and conveying timeless spiritual messages.
The Dutar Music instruement:
The dutar (also spelled dotar) is a traditional long-necked lute, known for its two-stringed design, originating from Iran and widely popular in Central Asia. Its name comes from the Persian words "do" (دو), meaning "two," and "tar" (تار), meaning "string," aptly describing its structure. Historically, the dutar has been a prominent instrument in the musical traditions of regions like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Khorasan province of Iran. Although originally a two-stringed instrument, variations exist, such as the Herati dutar of Afghanistan, which has 14 strings, showcasing the instrument’s adaptability across cultures.
The dutar’s origins can be traced back to the 15th century, where it started as a humble shepherd’s instrument. In its earliest form, the strings were crafted from animal gut, offering a distinct earthy resonance. However, with the opening of the Silk Road, which facilitated trade between East and West, gut strings were gradually replaced by strings made from twisted silk imported from China. Silk strings, and later nylon, became a common feature, enhancing the instrument’s tone and durability.
The dutar's versatility makes it suitable for accompanying both vocal performances and solo melodies. It is an integral part of the region’s musical identity and is often used in folk songs and traditional celebrations.
In Iran’s Khorasan province, the dutar holds special significance among the Kurds, where musicians, known as bakci (or bakhshi), are renowned for their skill with the instrument. One famous virtuoso, Haj Ghorban Soleimani, hailed from this region, helping to preserve and popularize the dutar’s music. His performances elevated the status of Khorasan bakhshi music, which is now recognized on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The dutar continues to be celebrated for its cultural and historical significance, connecting musicians and audiences to a centuries-old tradition of musical expression in Central Asia and Iran.
Oud Music Instrument:
The oud is a pear-shaped, short-neck lute that has played a central role in Middle Eastern music for centuries. Its name, derived from the Arabic word "ʿūd" (عود), means "wood," reflecting the instrument’s wooden construction. As a fretless stringed instrument, the oud typically features 11 strings arranged in six courses, although variations exist with five or seven courses, amounting to 10 or 13 strings, respectively. Classified as a chordophone, the oud produces rich, resonant tones that make it an essential instrument in Middle Eastern music, as well as in the broader Islamic world.
The origin of the oud can be traced back to ancient Persia, where similar lute-like instruments were used before the advent of Islam. The oud is considered the direct descendant of the Persian barbat, a fretted lute that shares many characteristics with its successor. The modern oud was described as early as the 9th century by Arab philosopher Yaʻqūb ibn Isḥāq al-Kindī in his work Risāla fī-l-Luḥūn wa-n-Nagham. By the 11th century, musician and author Al-Hasan Ibn al-Haytham provided further details about the oud’s construction and use in his music compendium. These early descriptions helped cement the oud’s place in the musical traditions of the Middle East.
Vocal & Dotar Instrument: Khalil Sheikh (@khalilsheikh.official)
Oud Instrument: Hooman Shirali (@hooman.shirali)
Kathak Sufi Fusion: Swarashri Shridhar (@swarashri_kathak)
Tabla: Sandeepan (@sandu.tabla)
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📍 Theatre of Digital Art - TODA, Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai
📌 maps.app.goo.g...
🗓 Sunday, 29 September 2024 ⏰7:00 PM
🌡 39 °C / 103 °F
🎥 iPhone 15 Pro Max
✂️ Final Cut Pro
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9 окт 2024
