Rhythmic Revelations: A Tribute to Zakir Hussain

buy tickets
Silk Street
London, EC2Y 8DS United Kingdom
26 October 2025
12:00 pm
Darbar Festival 2025

Master Percussionist Pandit Yogesh Samsi unveils the Genius of a Legend.

A rare opportunity to experience the revolutionary legacy of the world’s most celebrated tabla virtuoso, the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, through the perspective of his foremost contemporary, Pandit Yogesh Samsi.

In this intimate talk, Samsi, himself a percussion master of extraordinary calibre, offers unprecedented insights into the artistry, innovation and philosophy of Ustad Zakir Hussain. Samsi being a brilliant performer in his own right, provides a privileged window into the techniques, compositions, and teaching methods that transformed tabla playing for generations. Through live demonstrations and personal anecdotes, witness the subtle intricacies of the Punjab gharana style that evolved under Hussain’s visionary approach.

Discover how Hussain elevated the tabla from an instrument of accompaniment to a solo on the world stage, revolutionising rhythmic possibilities while honouring tradition. Samsi will decode the mathematical precision, lightning-fast technique and profound musical sensitivity that define Hussain’s unmistakable sound, revealing dimensions of tabla artistry rarely discussed in public forums.

The hour talk follows a 30-minute Q&A with the audience.

Book now for this captivating journey into the rhythmic universe of an undisputed musical legend.

The hour talk follows a 30-minute Q&A with the audience.

No related events found.

+ Google Map

Related Tags

Single bill

Location
Within walking distance of a number of London Underground and Elizabeth Line stations, the closest being Barbican, St Paul’s, Farringdon and Moorgate

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public Transport
Barbican: 4 min walk; Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Circle lines
Moorgate: 7 min walk; Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Circle, Northern lines, Elizabeth Line (use the Moorgate exit for Liverpool St stop)
Farringdon: 8 min walk; Elizabeth line
St Paul’s: 11 min walk; Central line
The nearest tube station served by the Night Tube (Friday and Saturday) is St Paul’s on the Central line.

Get directions

Barbican Foyer bars and Cafe

Barbican Bar & Grill

Martini Bar

The Sichuan

Access Scheme

From choosing which event to see to buying tickets, car parking and finding your seat – Barbican provides the best service during your visit.

Join Barbican Access Scheme to inform us of any access requirements, book accessible tickets and choose what information you’d like to receive.

Click Here for details

Accessibile Events

The information below details the access provisions in each of the venues within the Barbican Centre, and their neighbouring Silk Street Theatre and Milton Court.

If you have any questions about the accessibility of any of their venues or have any access requirements, please contact their Box Office for support by emailing info@barbican.org.uk or call 020 7101 1188 (Mon – Sun 10am-4pm). Please register or log-in to the online ticket booking journey with your access requirements to view the access seats.

They are currently trialling Live Transcription for Hard of Hearing customers at our Ticket and Information Desk on Level G. If you would like this service, a member of the team on site would be happy to assist you accessing this desk. We welcome your feedback about this service.

Accessible Parking
​​​​​​​If you are an occasional visitor to the Centre, please take your blue badge to one of our reception desks or Barbican Shop on the day of your visit in order to receive a complimentary car park voucher. You do not need to display your blue badge in your vehicle.

Montcalm Brewery
52 Chiswell St,

London

EC1Y 4SA

02076140100 groups@montcalmcollection.com Visit Website

Malmaison, London
18-21 Charterhouse Square,

London,

EC1M 6AH

02037509402 london@malmaison.com Visit Website

30% Off: Multibuy Offer
Save 30% when you book 4 or more concerts in Darbar Festival 2025. Subject to availability.

Find out more

Group Bookings
Discounts are offered on some events for groups of ten or more. A dedicated groups team is available on email groups@barbican.org.uk

Find out more

Booking Fees
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.

Online & Phone
£4 (£1.50 cinema screenings, Gallery and Pit theatre)

In person bookings
There is no booking fee for tickets purchased in person.

Members
Members do not pay booking fees for Barbican promotions.

Find out more

'T' for Tabla with Gurdain Rayatt

Learn to play tabla from beginners to advance with Gurdain Rayatt. Online classes are starting soon!
Ranjani & Gayatri | In Conversation

Ranjani & Gayatri | In Conversation

At the Darbar Festival 2023 held at the iconic Barbican, the celebrated Carnatic vocal duo Ranjani and Gayatri presented a soul-stirring lecture demonstration titled Poetry of the Saints." With grace, reverence, and deep musical insight, the sisters delved into the spiritual and poetic essence that underpins Carnatic music, focusing on the revered saint-poets whose works continue to guide the tradition. They spoke in depth about Saint Tyagaraja, often considered one of the "Trinity of Carnatic Music" alongside Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri. Revered not only for his musical genius but also for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, Tyagaraja composed thousands of kritis that beautifully blend lyrical poetry with melodic intricacy and philosophical depth. The sisters shared how his life of simplicity and spiritual dedication serves as a model for generations of musicians. Alongside Tyagaraja, they highlighted the contributions of Purandara Dasa, hailed as the ‘father of Carnatic music,’ Annamacharya, known for his prolific Telugu compositions, and Mirabai, whose bhajans transcend regional boundaries. Through thoughtful narration and exquisite renditions, Ranjani and Gayatri brought the poetry of these saints vividly to life, reminding the audience how Carnatic music remains a living, breathing tradition — deeply devotional, richly poetic, and timeless in its appeal. Featuring: - Ranjani (Carnatic vocalist) - Gayatri (Carnatic vocalist)