Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan, Marcus Gilmore and Abbos Kosimov's memorable performance in the Royal Festival Hall.

An enthusiastic, adoring crowd greeted Zakir Hussain as he entered the stage of the Royal Festival Hall. When the 70-year-old tabla virtuoso, who additionally works as a composer, percussionist, music producer and actor, was joined on stage by Sabir Khan, a rising sarangi player and vocalist born in a family of musicians, the crown once again erupted with prasie and cheer. 

Sabir Khan's sarangi solo commenced the show, the first part of which was a duo performance with Khan and Hussain. Preceeding each new section of the piece, Hussain would helpfully explain, and break down each Indian classical tradition behind the section. 

After the interval, the two were joined by the talented American drummer, Marcus Gilmore, who is the recipient of numerous awards, such as the Latin Grammy Award, and Abbos Kosimov, an Uzbeki percussionist, recognised globally as the master of the doyra. 

Gilmore's lengthy solo, which wowed both the audience and his fellow performers, was encouraged by Hussain. Additionally, Kosimov's solo, which involved three of his doyras, was greatly appreciated by the crowd. Both of these solos recieved loud applause from the viewers. 

An almost neverending ovation from the crowd resulted in Khan's vocals stunning everyone, and when asked about the performance, an ongoer admitted to being 'in streams of tears' throughout.