Project Udaan

Proceeds from the concert will benefit Project Udaan, an initiative that gives girls born and raised in the red light district of Kolkata a safe haven, away from the dangers of human trafficking. Project Udaan rescues and rehabilitates current child sex workers and at-risk children from the brothels of Sonagachi, Kolkata, in India. We are in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $500,000 to build a residential school for the girls. We are halfway through the goal, and need more support to raise the remainder.

The Song of the Soul

World Music format encompassing Captivating Folk Music, traditional chants and ancient philosophy.

Internationally acclaimed artiste Vikram Hazra is one of the foremost names in Indian music, with 15 albums and packed concerts in 49 countries till date. He is credited as being the first to introduce the electric guitar and a jazz-rock sensibility into this genre, presenting folk music, traditional chants and ancient philosophy in an exciting World Music format.

Vikram Hazra doesn’t just play music — he opens up a doorway for his audiences to touch their own soul. His concerts evoke strong reactions from diverse audiences across the globe — some cry, some dance in ecstasy, some sing out loud with eyes closed, while some experience deep states of meditative bliss. A wave of positive energy floods the performance space and uplifts all those present.

The Song of the Soul is a unique and seamless meld of ancient Sanskrit chants and a jazz-rock sensibility. As Vikram says “I don’t believe in ‘remixes’ and ‘fusion’ per se; the purity of the chants is maintained — I have merely changed the frame around the picture”

Indeed, there is no re-packaging, no fancy titles given to the songs, and yet Indian devotional music has never before been presented like this.

He is accompanied by flautist Soumyajyoti Ghosh, one of the favourite disciples of the pre-eminent flute maestro Pt Ronu Majumdar, and one of the top recording and performing artistes in the country today. With a wide repertoire that ranges fm Hindustani classical to jazz, he juggles a busy international touring schedule with a deeply spiritual approach to music and life. A musical prodigy, he was an established professional keyboard player while still in his teens, and also plays the melodica, pennywhistle and dvoyanka, in addition to backing vocals and mouth percussion.

The Song of the Soul incorporates elements from cultures like Africa and South America, moving poetry fm Kabir, Meerabai, Khusrau and Guru Nanak, as well as folk compositions from remote corners of rural India, representing Vikram’s personal journey of self-discovery through music.