Mir Naqibul Islam represents the Farrukhabad gharana of tabla and is the 34th generation in this historic lineage. In this recital, he will present a traditional Farrukhabad-style tabla solo, accompanied on lehra (melodic accompaniment) by Arun Ramamurthy on violin. The performance will feature time-tested compositions, many of which are centuries old, passed down through the oral tradition from guru to disciple over generations. This is where Mir specializes—presenting tabla in the pure form he has learned directly from his teachers. While deeply rooted in tradition, Mir’s artistry also reflects his experience living and working in New York City, where he actively collaborates across genres. His performances, though grounded in classical rigor, carry a distinct 21st-century sensibility, shaped by global travels and musical exchanges with artists from diverse traditions.
Mir Naqibul Islam is a New York-based tabla player from the Farukhabad gharana, originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Trained under maestros including Pandit Ashoke Paul and by the legend Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, Mir brings over 30 years of experience in Hindustani classical music. He performs solo and collaborates widely across genres—from Indian classical and Bengali music to jazz, maqam, and hip hop. A core member of Brooklyn Raga Massive, Mir also leads multiple cross-genre ensembles. He is the founder of NYC Tabla, a school dedicated to traditional tabla training for students in New York and globally through in-person and online instruction.
Live at St. Paul’s Chapel — or, watch on YouTube.
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