UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 25 JANUARY
One of the world’s greatest violinists, Ustad Johar Ali, took to the stage at the Bradshaw Hall to perform a fusion of Indian and Western classical music at his inaugural concert as Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair.
The concert, which took place on Wednesday (24 January), was a celebration of RBC and Birmingham City University’s (BCU) special relationship with India, the ICCR and the General Consulate of India, Birmingham.
Ustad Johar Ali, who will be spending the next six months with staff and students to engage with musicians and community groups, performed in front of an audience of Indian and local dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Chaman Lal.
Watch a one-minute concert highlights video.
The internationally-acclaimed violinist demonstrated his versatility by duetting with RBC’s Indo-Jazz Ensemble, following just a few hours of rehearsal time together.
RBC Principal Stephen Maddock said: "This was an inspiring concert outlining the long-standing dedication of RBC and BCU to fostering cross-cultural exchanges and celebrating the universal language of music.
"The synergy between our students and the ICCR artists was a resounding success, resulting in a memorable performance that resonated with everyone present."
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba described Ustad Johar Ali’s performance as a “delight”, adding that the event marked a key milestone in the University’s fast-growing links with India:
“With BCU’s status as an ICCR-affiliated University, we have been bestowed with a great privilege and we look forward to working together and building on our unique partnership.
“Through events like the concert, our relationship with India can continue to blossom and continue to bear fruit.”