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Carnatic Performance Unwrapped

,Fountain Room
The Akkarai Sisters with their instruments, sitting on some steps in a garden

The Akkarai sisters take you through a Carnatic performance, explaining the various pieces that make up the what is referred to what is known as a kutcheri.

This session breaks down the key components including the alapana – the slow, pulse-free introduction; the niraval – extempore construction, elaboration and improvisation; a three-part song genre; and the ragam-tanam-pallavi – improvised singing.

Most concerts also feature a section known as tani avartanam in which one or more percussionists perform complex rhythmic patterns., and the recital of a thillana is a popular way to conclude a performance. This session is aimed for the those that are new to the form and or inquisitive to learn more.

Running times will be announced closer to the event

Presented by Darbar in association with Barbican

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Fountain Room

Location
The Fountain Room is located on Level G. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.