Page 30 - The Indian EYE 092024

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 | The Indian Eye 30

IAA Concludes Season 2024 with Two Stellar

Performances by Acclaimed Artist Sonam Kalra

Sonam Kalra and her ensemble perform during “Ibadat” on Sep. 7. Courtesy: Chetna Samal Sonam Kalra and musicians perform during Sarhad on Sep. 8. Courtesy: Golden Ray Photography

OUR BUREAU giving local audiences the opportuni-
ty to experience fresh talent that they
New York, NY
may not encounter otherwise. By of-
he Indo-American Association fering a platform to these exceptional
(IAA) celebrated the success- performers, IAA fosters cultural ex-
Tful completion of its 2024 sea- change and innovation, allowing these
son with two captivating performanc- rising stars to showcase their skills to
es by the internationally acclaimed a discerning audience. Sonam Kalra
Coke Studio artist, Sonam Kalra, is one such performer whose music
over the weekend of September 7 offered an immersive and heartfelt
and 8. The unique shows mesmerized experience that resonated with all in
Houston audiences with their excep- attendance. As Nick Dhanani, a val-
tional blend of music, poetry and sto- ued IAA member and supporter, said,
rytelling. “I haven’t experienced anything like
Ibadat, a musical performance this before … what singing, storytell-
blending Sufi, Gospel, and Sikh ing and visual content. It was really
prayers, was held on Saturday, Sep- breathtaking overall.”
tember 7, at Zilkha Hall in the Hob- The artist with IAA board members and audience (From left to right): Atul Bhatia, IAA Secretary, “As IAA brings its 2024 season
by Center. Introducing the artist, sitarist Shubhendra Rao, Radhika Day, IAA Board Member, cellist Saskia Rao-de Haas, Sonam to a close, we would like to thank
Sheetal Bedi, the CEO and Execu- Kalra, Sheetal Bedi, IAA CEO and Executive Director, Aparna Asthana, IAA Board Member). our members and audiences for their
tive Director of IAA, said, “Sonam is Courtesy: Golden Ray Photography unwavering support of the arts. It is
not just a performer. She is a messen- because of this continued dedication
ger of love, peace and unity … Her that we are able to bring the best art-
music speaks the universal language ists to showcase the performing arts
of oneness, something our world of the Indian subcontinent to enrich
needs now more than ever before.” Houston’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Sonam’s soulful voice and original We are excited to announce that the
music scores created an unforgetta- 2025 Season will be revealed soon,
ble evening of transcendent music, and we look forward to another year
which deeply moved the audience. of cultural excellence,” said the asso-
Sonam’s charisma shone bright as ciation in a statement.
she interacted with the audience, Indo-American Association
translating and beautifully explaining (IAA), a Houston Cultural Treasure,
the poetry she sang, making the mu- is a 31-year non-profit 501(c)(3) orga-
sic accessible to all. nization for the promotion of cultural
On Sunday, September 8, Sonam The artist with the IAA members arts of India. Our mission is to bridge
presented Sarhad at MATCHBOX (From left to right): Satish and Uma Sharma, Sonam Kalra, Ishu and Ashok Wadhwani cultural divides by showcasing the rich
4, an evocative performance blend- heritage of the Indian subcontinent
ing music and theater, dedicated to audience relived their heart-wrench- ovation, leaving a lasting impact on through multi-disciplinary performing
stories of separation and hope from ing memories. Sonam’s poignant sto- all those in attendance. arts, as well as cultural, educational
the Partition of India in 1947. This rytelling, combined with her musical A unique feature of IAA’s mis- and artistic expressions. IAA pres-
emotionally charged performance brilliance, captured the raw emotions sion is its commitment to introducing ents a thoughtfully curated season of
recounted the harrowing tales of of separation and loss, yet concluded Houstonians to groundbreaking per- exceptional live shows each year, in
survivors of the Partition, and there with messages of hope and resilience. formances from both established icons addition to participating in several
was not a dry eye in the hall as the The performance received a standing as well as promising new artists alike, community outreach initiatives.

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