Midday Mantra: Sarathy Korwar
Overview
At the change of seasons from Spring to Summer, join Sampad and B:Music for a vibrant programme of South Asian music. Midday Mantra: Earth Pulse presents Sarathy Korwar, whose work is inspired by connections to nature and the world around him.
Winner of the 2020 AIM Award for Best Independent Album and MOJO’s 2019 Jazz Album of the Year, Sarathy Korwar is a drummer, composer and producer, who mixes Indian classical music, jazz and hip-hop. Kowar has worked with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Bex Burch, Alabaster DePlume, Tamar Osborn and Arun Ghosh, as well as with producers Auntie Flo and Hieroglyphic Being. He has also collaborated with Anoushka Shankar and Alam Khan, producing and co-writing Anoushka’s 2025 album, Chapter III: Return to Light, which earned Sarathy two Grammy nominations - Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance (Daybreak).
Korwar’s latest album, There Is Beauty, There Already, is a continuous 40-minute suite, centring the drum ensemble as both a melodic and emotional force. Drawing on influences from Indian folk traditions, jazz collectives like Max Roach’s M’Boom and minimalist composers such as Terry Riley and Steve Reich, the album unfolds through repetition and rhythm.
Midday Mantra from Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage is a journey into the soul-stirring melodies that define South Asian music. Our year-round series of lunchtime concerts provide enriching cultural experiences for all ages and backgrounds, with a captivating blend of classical, folk, and contemporary styles. Featured artists are usually announced within 4 weeks of performances.
Booking info
Ticket Offers:
- Standard: £10
- Ages 16–25: £5
- Under 16s: Free (ticket still required)
Multibuy offer:
- 2+ events: 10% discount
- 4+ events: 15% discount
- 6+ events: 20% discount
(All discounts applied at checkout.)
Free (limited) ticket for Disabled Visitor’s Companions, as per Access Scheme
Ticket Commission
Events may carry a £1 - £5 ticket commission; charged per ticket. This is charged when you book through B:Music’s Box Office – online, by phone or in person. This fee is included in all the prices advertised by B:Music
Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons
A range of tickets, wheelchair positions and services are available under our Access Scheme.
This is a general admission event; seating is not assigned and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Plan your visit
We want you to have the best time when you visit the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space (JBPS) at Symphony Hall
Here's everything you need to know to make your visit run smoother than a Sade Operator...
The JBPS is a smaller stage up one floor from the Symphony Hall Entrance with seating on several levels. Unless otherwise stated seating for events in this space are not assigned and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food & Drink
B:Eats at Symphony Hall
B:Eats is the Symphony Hall cafe serving fresh, seasonal, delicious dishes for daytime dining or pre-show treats.
Home of the Brummie Bacon Cake™, a menu of classic dishes with contemporary twists and a selection of hot drinks and cake, B:Eats has many veggie, vegan and gluten-free options which are bound to hit the right note for a quick snack or pre-show dinner.
Opening Hours
Mon - Sat: 11am - 4pm
B:Eats is not open for evening performances in the JBPS space
Bars
With a bar on every level stocking a selection of beers, wines, spirits, alcohol free and soft drinks, plus delicious snackable treats, you can be sure everyone in your party will find a tipple to enjoy.
Getting to Symphony Hall
By Car
Parking
Convenient parking facilities for Symphony Hall can be found at Q-Park Brindleyplace and Q-Park Mailbox, click here for more information. Both car parks offer electric vehicle charging so you can park and charge during your visit.
Please note that due to temporary works, there is currently a reduced capacity at Q Park Mailbox.
Prebook your parking and receive a 10% discount at Q-Park. Simply enter the code 'BMusic10' during checkout. For each booking made with this code, Q Park will donate 10% of the transaction to B:Music in support of our charitable activities with young people and local artists.
Also, if you download the Q-Park Rewards app you can receive cashback from your parking and cashback from many high street brands.
Good to know
Birmingham City Centre is a Clean Air Zone. Please see Birmingham City Council website here for details.
Electric vehicle charging points within Birmingham can be found here
Check transport disruptions, find parking & find more transport information for Birmingham on the council webpage here
By Bus
We are easily accessible by bus. Plan your journey with Network West Midlands or call the West Midlands Journey Planner hotline on 0871 200 22 33 (charges apply)
By Train
Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill stations are within easy walking distance of Symphony Hall. Moor Street and Five Ways are slightly further away but still within walking distance. Train times can be checked at the National Rail website. There are taxi ranks at each station.
By Bike
There are lots of bike racks in Centenary Square. For information on cycle routes in the city, visit sustrans.org.uk or birmingham.gov.uk/cycling
By Tram
The Library tram stop is just by the Symphony Hall front entrance on Centenary Square. Plan your journey with West Midlands Metro.
Taxi Drop off
The nearest drop off point is Cambridge Street, it is then a 2 minute walk to the Symphony Hall entrance.
By Plane
Birmingham International Airport’s adjacent rail station – Birmingham International – has frequent trains to the city centre.