Sonia Sabri is amongst the brightest and most inspirational of British born dancer-choreographers working in the twenty-first century climate. Creating work that spans from the presentation of classical North Indian Kathak to explorations of contemporary approaches, her productions reflect an appreciation of Indian and British culture. She has created a ‘fresh’ and ‘funky’ style of Kathak by reinventing it from within, that is by pushing boundaries and generating work that is original in concept and exciting and relevant to today’s audiences. As a dancer, she is acclaimed for her enchanting stage presence, grace and musicality that enthral audiences both nationally as well as globally. She has secured a reputation for collaboration across dance styles and art forms, as well as performing Kathak to a range of musical styles: classical, jazz, pop and fusion.
In addition, Sonia is a teacher of Kathak and regularly undertakes various workshops, lecture-demonstrations and residencies in both national and international venues. She is accredited by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and is a member of the South Asian Dance Faculty. Sonia is also the Artistic Director of the newly formed youth dance company: Kathakaars. Sonia’s innovation within her form was recently recognised in the contemporary dance world through a commission for The Place Prize 2006; BBC television commission for its dance programme 'Blast' and her receipt of a Bonnie Bird Award in November 2007.
Sarvar Sabri is an internationally renowned tabla player/composer. His versatility and passion for the rich diversity of the world's musical traditions has spurred him to constantly experiment with other world-class musicians and composers, and to extend the boundaries of his own classical form.
Sarvar is proficient not only as a solo musician but also works with Indian classical vocalists, instrumentalists and Kathak dancers. His strength and distinguishing features are his versatility, his ability to adapt to a range of art forms showing his awareness and sensitivity to a range of different classical and contemporary musical styles.
Sarvar has also been involved in experimental work. As a soloist, he has worked with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) collaborating with the composer Judith Weir, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, East of England Orchestra and Sinfonia Baltica, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), Viva Sinfonia and the Edinburgh Quartet. He is the founder of the Sabri Ensemble; a Birmingham-based group dedicated to exploring the richness of different musical traditions and styles. Sarvar has provided music for TV, Radio and various dance and theatre companies. He was also awarded the Arts Council Composer for Dance Award (2006). His recent works include composing music for 1928 silent film ‘Shiraz’ which is currently on tour. Sabri’s work can be heard on numerous CDs playing with some of the world’s renowned musicians.
 |