Sanson Ki Mala at The Armory

“Sanson Ki Mala Pe” (साँसों की माला पे) is a rare bhajan penned by Meerabai (15th Century) in honor of her lord Krishna. The opening line translates as:  

Allah Elohim at The Armory

Perhaps as a kind of invocation, Bala and Shivani chose to play the song Allah Elohim, a piece that now resonates more deeply than ever before.

We Are One Live at The Armory

This original composition, thoughtfully created and arranged by Bala for this occasion, weaves a melody that speaks to the deepest threads of our shared  

Aap Ki Nazaron Live at The Armory

This beautiful melody comes from the classic Bollywood film Anpadh (1962). Originally sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, the song features music

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Mast Qalandar Live at The Armory

“Mast Qalandar” is perhaps the most celebrated and widely rendered of all Qawwalis. Reverberating through the annals of South Asian musical heritage,

I Am An American Live II

This unique music, a fusion of ancient Asian traditions and Western harmonies, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Asian Americans.

A Transatlantic Journey Home

Mimy’s composition traces the history of Afro music as it accompanied its people, who were enslaved and transported to the Caribbean  

Rimbognala: Echoes of Eden

“Rimbognala,” a Malagasy term, translates as “the leftover remnants of the forest.” This title serves as lament etched into the soul of the song and its composer, Mimy.  

Lomalilay: A Melody of Deepest Thanks

“Lomalilay” is a response to the welcome given in the first piece, banaike. The piano takes the spotlight, conveying the heartfelt response of the guests. 

Welcoming Week: Romila

This composition is an ode to an envisioned Romila, a love letter steeped in jazzy melodies and set to the captivating rhythm of Afro-Cuban grooves. 

A Song for My Mother’s Journey

Composed by Mimy in the wake of his mother’s funeral, “Any Ankoatra Any” loosely translated, means “Into the Unknown, On the Other Side.”

Beko: a Memory of Resistance

In the dusty heart of southern Madagascar, the beko is a revered storytelling tradition. The singer, known as a sairy, dedicates his life to mastering this art form.

Banaike: Let the Beat Welcome You

“Banaike” is a style of music where rhythm transforms into ritual and everyone is invited to join in. It is played in the south of Madagascar to begin a party.

Temple Romance – Live on Stage

Temple Romance goes to South Indian classical flute melodies blended with a strong string and chorale harmonies. Bala’s inspiration for this piece is

Magic Gem – Live on Stage

Magic Gem takes a classic Western melody and adapts it to an Eastern classical vibe using the Chinese erhu, played by Jerry Lin.