Live music: Tala Tarang

Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham presents live music by Tala Tarang, a tabla and harp duet with Mendi Singh and Eleanor Turner. 

This performance marks the opening of Ikon’s exhibition with Birmingham-based photographer Maryam Wahid, Dreams of Brum (31 August – 3 September 2023). Complimentary Chai is served by Dishoom Birmingham in the Events Room.

This event is presented as part of The Migrant Festival 2023. 

About the artists

Tala Tarang’s repertoire includes original compositions, folk, Bollywood, Western Classical and World music with improvisations reflecting the duo’s wide experience and travels. The name Tala Tarang, meaning Rhythm Waves, aptly describes the duo and their music, with Mendi Singh’s powerful tabla grooves underpinning Eleanor Turner’s virtuosic electro-acoustic harp playing. Both artists came from classical backgrounds and received worldwide acclaim before meeting in 2014 and creating this exciting musical collaboration.

Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham works through the arts to celebrate and raise awareness of the contributions that refugees make to Birmingham and more widely the UK. They work collaboratively with artists in exile and local communities to build relationships, share cultural identities and provide opportunities for artists to perform, network and develop their careers in Birmingham. Their events celebrate the tradition of offering sanctuary in the UK to those fleeing persecution, affirming the message that sanctuary is a human right. Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham are committed to promoting and showcasing the very best artistic practice from artists originating from or connected to areas of conflict, turmoil and/or unrest. Their programme seeks to highlight the positive impact arts can make in transforming people’s lives.