TORO

Due to a knee injury, Israel Galván sadly had to withdraw from the US tour of TOROBAKA to undergo complete rest and rehabilitation, and was therefore unable to perform with Akram. Still wanting to go forward with performances, they offered a very special gift to the public. Akram performed alongside the four remarkable musicians, to reframe the show in an exclusive evening where the audience enjoyed the distinct language of TOROBAKA – celebrating and transcending traditional Kathak and flamenco roots.

This contest, TORO, took place between Akram and the musicians, all masters of their own art: David Azurza’s fine countertenor, Christine Leboutte’s earthy contralto, Bobote, the accomplished palmero who is equally a wizard at beating flamenco rhythm with his feet, and the multi-talented Indian percussionist, B.C Manjunath, unleashing the cadences of his mrindanga drum. Together they re-imagine the captivating dialogue between Indian and Spanish classical rhythms. Creating an unstoppable stream of sounds and movements, exploring even further their taste for improvisation and playfulness.