How do the Fakirs of Bengal sing?

This program will be held in Hungarian.

The bards accompany their singing with instruments in every part of the world. How can a singer play multiple instruments at once? In the performance style of the Bauls from West Bengal—just like in several parts of Asia—the traditional singer’s performance is a complex task. Bauls often play ektara, dotara, or khamak, which create the distinctively mystical soundscape of West Bengal. During the event, two of these instruments will be played live, but we can also observe the Baul interlocutors in their original environment through film footage showcasing personal collections. How is such a melody constructed and performed? Who exactly are the Bauls? Answers to these questions will be provided in the presentation, which is linked to the House of Music’s LISTEN. - Musical Journey Around the World temporary exhibition.

About the performer:
Burns Kati embarked from her Hungarian folk music roots towards Asia, reaching the Sufi and Baul cultures by traveling through Pakistan and India. Her music encapsulates her travel experiences, instantaneous improvisations, and musical dialogues, blending archaic Csango music and Siberian throat singing. Kati considers herself a perpetual student of ancient singing traditions, narrative singing, and languages. She has released two albums: Madhuwanti – Live in Islamabad (Trottel, 2013) and At the Sister of the Sun (Fonó Records, 2022).