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Darbar: Tributes to Shivkumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain

Darbar Festival

,Barbican Hall
Tribute to Shivkumar and Ustad Zakir Hussain

A landmark celebration of rhythm and legacy, honouring two titans of Indian classical music: the late tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain and the santoor pioneer Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.

Lose yourself in the luminous textures of the santoor, as Rahul Sharma (son of Pt. Shivkumar Sharma) conjures glistening soundscapes that echo the spirit of Himalayan terrain. Sharing the stage is tabla virtuoso Satyajit Talwalkar, paying tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain while confidently carving his own path in India's rhythmic tradition.

After the interval, a rare percussion summit bridges India’s rhythmic hemispheres. Under the direction of Yogesh Samsi—a close contemporary of Zakir Hussain—this trio crafts a dialogue across traditions. Samsi’s tabla finds resonance with Patri Satish Kumar's mridangam and Ghatam Udupa’s earthen tones, all grounded by Sudhir Nayak on harmonium. A singular event in homage to two visionaries who redefined Indian classical music on the world stage.

Tagged with: Classical music Darbar Festival 2025 Contemporary music

Age guidance: 5+

This performance will end at approximately 10.30pm

Produced by Darbar in partnership with the Barbican.

First half

  • Rahul Sharma   santoor
  • Satyajit Talwalkar   tabla

Second half

  • Taal Vadya percussion ensemble by  
  • Pandit Yogesh Samsi   tabla
  • Patri Satish Kumar   mrindangam
  • Ghatam Udupa   ghatam
  • Tanmay Deochake   harmonium nagma

Ticket prices

Standard
£20–100 *
* Excludes £4 booking fee

Booking fees

£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction. 

No fee when tickets are booked in person.

Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.

Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

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.