Leeds-based arts organisation South Asian Arts-uk (SAA-uk) is marking Diwali with Silver Harmonies, an evening of Indian classical music at Howard Assembly Room in Leeds on Sunday 8 November 2026.
The concert celebrates the 25-year musical and personal partnership of sitar player Pandit Shubhendra Rao and cellist and composer Vidushi Saskia Rao-de Haas, who will be joined on stage by tabla player Ustad Shahbaz Hussain.
A Diwali celebration in music
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time for reflection, new beginnings and togetherness. SAA-uk says Silver Harmonies is designed in that spirit, bringing sitar, Indian cello and tabla together in a musical conversation that draws on classical tradition while exploring new ground.
The performers
Pandit Shubhendra Rao is an internationally known sitar player and one of the leading disciples of the late Pandit Ravi Shankar, recognised for his performances and his collaborations across musical styles.
Vidushi Saskia Rao-de Haas has developed a distinctive voice for the Indian cello as a performer, composer and educator. Through her Sangeet4All initiative she has helped bring music education to more than 100,000 children in India, and in 2025 she was made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau (Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau), a Dutch royal honour.
Ustad Shahbaz Hussain is one of the leading tabla players of his generation, known for his work in both classical and contemporary settings.
Event details
- Date: Sunday 8 November 2026
- Venue: Howard Assembly Room, Leeds, LS1 6NU
- Doors: 7pm, with the concert starting at 7.45pm
- Tickets: £25 standard, £10 for under-30s (plus a £1.50 booking fee)
Tickets and further information are available on the SAA-uk website.
The concert is presented by South Asian Arts-uk in partnership with Howard Assembly Room, with support from SAMA Arts.
About South Asian Arts-uk
South Asian Arts-uk is a Leeds-based arts organisation dedicated to celebrating, developing and sharing South Asian arts and culture. Founded in 1997 by Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE, it connects artists, audiences and communities through performances, education and creative participation.
