Serendipity: Thumri in the Chamber

Curated by Zubin Balaporia

The grand finale of Serendipity Birmingham 2025 explores the Indian vocal tradition Thumri. Mumbai-based keyboard player and composer Zubin Balaporia directs a supergroup of Indian vocalists and instrumentalists, bass, percussion and strings to offer a fresh perspective on one of Hindustani music’s most cherished traditions.  Thumri embraces poetry, storytelling and improvisation; Balaporia and his musicians remain true to its traditions whilst reinventing it for today’s audiences in a way that amplifies its delicate multi-layered beauty.

Commissioned by Serendipity Arts for Serendipity Arts Festival 2024.

Zubin Balaporia music director and keyboards
Vijay Prakash, Priyanka Barve vocals
Sarang Kulkarni sarod
Ojas Adhiya tabla
Gino Banks percussion
Sheldon D’Silva bass 
Sarah Meeran violin
Dielle Braganza viola
Shirish Malhotra viola
Vian Pereira cello