This event closes the series accompanying the exhibition "The Stuff of Narrative – New Perspectives on Literature", product of a collaboration between EXC 2020 and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.

To mark the closing of the exhibition “The Stuff of Narrative – New Perspectives on Literature”, we invite you to an evening of music, history and fascinating insights into the cultural links between Berlin and India.

Berlin has been closely connected to the history of Dhrupad since the 1960s. At that time, the legendary Dagar Brothers performed at Charlottenburg Palace, introducing this centuries-old Indian musical tradition to European audiences. Their performances played an important role in shaping the reception of Dhrupad in Europe and also contributed to a renewed interest in the tradition in India.

At the heart of the evening is the presentation of the unique collections of Dhrupad manuscripts and archival recordings at the Ethnologisches Museum in Berlin, including diaries from the Dagar family, which will be discussed with the public for the first time.

Ethnomusicologist Prof. Francesca Cassio, Chair in Sikh Musicology at Hofstra University in New York and student of Ustad R. Fahimuddin Khan Dagar, will explore the historical connections between Berlin and India and offer insights into ongoing research on the collection.

Held in English, the lecture will be accompanied by a musical performance of heritage Dhrupads from the Dagar and Gurbani traditions. Together with Parminder Singh Bhamra from India on the traditional pakhawaj drum, Prof. Cassio will bring the sound of Dhrupad to life.

Prof. Cassio recently published a monograph on Berlin-based Amelia Cuni, the first European woman to pursue a professional career in Dhrupad. The book will be launched on this very special occasion.