Join Sampad and B:Music for a daytime Burns Night Celebration.

Midday Mantra: Burns and Beyond will premiere a new collaboration between tabla player Mendi Singh and Scottish Fiddle player Ruth Lindsay. This unique performance will blend the rhythmic intricacies of the tabla with the deep melodies of traditional Scottish music, evoking a South Asian tribute to Burns Night.

As well as music, audiences can expect traditional folk dancing with a South Asian twist from Morris-Natyam, an innovative exploration of two entirely different styles of dance: Bharatanatyam and Morris.

A Burns Night event would not be complete without a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, which will be led by singers Sumitra Ghosh and Adi Ray.

Mendi Singh

Mendi Singh is an accomplished percussionist with over 30 years of experience. He has collaborated with artists like Peter Gabriel and Take That, performing at renowned venues globally. Mendi also dedicates his career to teaching marginalised communities, particularly visually impaired individuals. In partnership with Arts Council England, Mendi has led various projects, such as the Tap Along and Creative Change Projects. Currently, he leads The Sight of Sound, a multicultural initiative for teaching visually impaired people music.

Ruth Lindsay

Ruth is a versatile fiddle player specialising in Scottish and Irish traditional music. Growing up in Scotland, she began playing for Scottish Country Dance events. Ruth has built a career in folk and classical music, performing with Midlands-based artists and theatre companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company. A founding member of Bonfire Radicals, she collaborates with singer-songwriter Katy Rose Bennett. Ruth is also a dedicated fiddle teacher and founder of Birmingham Folk, a company promoting traditional music through workshops. Passionate about global music, she has studied with renowned teachers and regularly participates in international folk festivals.