Exhibition & Music1: ‘Rabindra Jayanti’ – Tagore’s 165th Birthday celebration

The Tagore Centre UK (TCUK) marks the 165th birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore at the Nehru Centre with a week-long art exhibition, concluding with a staged musical performance. TCUK presents established artists and musicians alongside British-born younger participants from TCUK’s Book, Art and Music Clubs, where learning, creativity and intergenerational exchange are encouraged.

The art exhibition, Hues of Tagore, is led by award-winning, London-based artist and art educator Milli Basu Roy, who is recognised internationally for her work. The exhibition explores personal interpretations of Tagore, inspired by his writings, music, life and philosophy, presenting a varied and thoughtful display by professional and emerging artists. Selected images from Tagore’s own artistic collection and rare photographs of him with eminent international figures will enrich the exhibition further. TCUK aims to introduce audiences, particularly younger visitors, to the global stature and enduring relevance of Tagore’s legacy.

The event concludes with TAAL, an enlightening musical performance written by TCUK Board member Soumi Sen, a Tagore singer and regular contributor to Bangla literary magazines. The evening explores rhythm (taal) and melody (sur), central elements of musical expression, while drawing on classical and folk traditions. Tagore himself created six new taals to express his distinctive musical vision. Live tabla demonstrations illustrate rhythmic patterns as the songs unfold, complemented by selected dance pieces.

The performance is led by versatile composer and educator Sanjoy Dey, winner of the R. D. Burman Award and widely recognised as a leading Tagore exponent in Europe, supported by acclaimed London musicians. The programme features popular Tagore vocalists alongside participants from TCUK’s music club, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to community learning and high artistic standards.

Together, the exhibition and performance present Tagore not only as a literary genius but also as an innovator whose creativity continues to inspire new-generation audiences today.