An Experiential Music Performance
Witness the Journey
of Separation, Hope, and Unity in
A Prelude to
the Human Face of Partition
Partition: Stories of Separation
“Laali akhiyaan di dasdi hai, roye assi vi, roye tussi vi”
(The redness in our eyes shows that you have cried and so have we.)
These poignant words, penned by the Punjabi poet, Ustad Daman stimulated Sonam Kalra to create this heart-touching project titled Partition: Stories of Separation. In her unique presentation SARHAD, Sonam with her team explore the profound human impact of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. This experiential piece combines music, poetry, storytelling, and visual art to explain the meaning of partition and its effect on people from both sides of the border.
Sonam and her team use real-life testimonies, historical texts, and heart-rending compositions about partition to bring to life, the shared grief, loss, and resilience of those who lived through this cataclysmic event. SARHAD serves as a powerful reminder of this pivotal moment in history and of the pain and love that binds these stories together; aiming to foster an environment of peace and harmony by emphasizing that dialogue is the way forward. This unique event has been lauded for its ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level, making history both accessible and relatable.
The Voice of Unity
Sonam Kalra is a unique performing artist who harnesses the transformative power of art and music to make this world a better place for all. She is a globally recognized, multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer who effortlessly bridges the worlds of Indian and Western music. Sonam has been trained under the tutelage of renowned Indian vocalists like Shubha Mudgal and Pandit Sarathi Chatterjee and has mastered Western music genres like Gospel and jazz with Ashley Clement and Classical Opera under Hur Chul Yung.
‘Sonam Kalra and the Sufi Gospel Project’, is Sonam’s unique musical initiative that blends the sacred sounds of Eastern and Western traditions. This internationally acclaimed project is a unique style of music that weaves together prayers, poetry, texts, hymns, and songs from various religious faiths and ideologies to create a universal voice of faith that resonates with the soul. Sonam’s music is more than just a fusion; it is a harmonious celebration of equality, compassion, and spiritual unity, a message that has made her, a voice of peace in today's polarized world.
With performances at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House, Cairo Opera House, and MTV’s Coke Studio, Sonam has captivated audiences in over 30 countries. Her work, including the deeply moving Partition: Stories of Separation, continues to inspire and connect people across divides, making her not just a musician, but a messenger of hope and healing. Sonam is not only celebrated as a versatile singer and composer but also as an inspirational speaker and role model, sharing her learnings from a creative and deeply spiritual journey through her music and her words.
Soulful
Showcase
About
Indo-American Association
Indo-American Association (IAA), a Houston Cultural Treasure, is a 31-year non-profit 501(c) (3) organization for the promotion of cultural arts of India. Our mission is to bridge cultural divides by showcasing the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent through multi-disciplinary performing arts as well as cultural, educational, and artistic expressions. IAA presents a thoughtfully curated season of up to 10 live shows each year, in addition to participating in several community outreach initiatives.
The events are targeted at multicultural audiences, which have grown with each passing year. Today, the IAA is regarded as a leading cultural arts organization presenting world-class talent in Houston and other North American cities. Over the past three decades, IAA has hosted legends and the “who’s who” of Indian music, dance, and theater—including Grammy winners Pt. Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, and Ricky Kej—to entertain and enthral Houston audiences.
Get Ready
Contact Info
- 832-315-6586
- info@iaahouston.org
- 3400 Main Street, Suite 1, Houston, TX 77002