This performance is led by Dr Shruti Jauhari - a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist, educator, and scholar whose work spans performance, research, and public engagement. She is the author of Elements of Hindustani Classical Music and the creator of Shruti Samvaad, a popular lecture-demonstration and podcast series on the aesthetics, history, and theory of Indian classical music.

The first half of the evening features khayal - a form known for its slow unfolding and improvisation, where the artist explores the beauty of a raga through slow and fast compositions, guided by musical imagination. In the second half, we move into thumri - a lighter, more expressive form rooted in romance and devotion. It centres emotional nuance and lyrical meaning, offering contrast in tone and texture.

Together, the khayal and thumri create a rich listening experience - both thoughtful and emotive. You don’t need to know the rules to follow along, just…