About this event

Experience an uplifting afternoon of Indian classical music as GemArts return to Middlesbrough Town Hall for another Classical Café, spotlighting two exceptional young artists whose talent and dedication are shaping the future of the art form.

Ali Hashim is an emerging tabla player steeped in the rich musical heritage of the Punjab gharana. The son of renowned tabla maestro Ustad Shahbaz Hussain, Ali has grown up surrounded by rhythm, artistry and tradition. Under his father’s guidance, he has been learning tabla from a young age, developing a distinctive musical voice that honours his family’s legacy while embracing fresh ideas and cross cultural collaboration. Ali represents the exciting next generation of tabla artists bringing classical music to new audiences.

Joining him is Subhan, a remarkable 16 year old multi instrumentalist whose commitment to music is far beyond his years. With over eight years dedicated to mastering the sitar, he also plays harmonium, tabla and piano with skill and sensitivity. Deeply devoted to playing the sitar, Subhan has spent many years nurturing his craft, and his love for music now inspires him to share his artistry with wider live audiences.

Together, Ali and Subhan offer a captivating glimpse into the future of Indian classical music – full of promise, creativity and youthful brilliance.
Join us for a Classical Café performance that celebrates tradition, talent and the next generation of artists shaping the sound of tomorrow.

Presented by GemArts

Find out more about GemArts at www.gemarts.org.

About Classical Café
Classical Café is a series of Sunday afternoon performances at Middlesbrough Town Hall. Listen to classical music in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere, enjoying coffee and cake while you listen!
Refreshments
All Classical Café tickets will include unlimited, self-serve tea and filter coffee. Cakes will also be available to pre-book as part of the checkout process. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available.

Access information
Toilets and facilities
For more details about our facilities and accessing the different spaces at Middlesbrough Town Hall please visit https://boxoffice.middlesbrough.gov.uk/middlesbrough-town-hall/your-visit-to-middlesbrough-town-hall/accessibility-at-middlesbrough-town-hall/

Pushchair policy
Due to Middlesbrough Town Hall’s fire regulation policies pushchairs, prams & car seats must be left in our dedicated ‘buggy parking’ zone on the carriageway and cannot be taken into any of the event spaces. Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for items left there, but we do our best to keep an eye on them.

Relaxed setting
All our family events take place in a relaxed environment, and have the following features:
– There’ll be lower volume levels throughout the event
– Our spaces have consistent lighting, with low level auditorium lights on throughout
– Our musicians and facilitators have relaxed attitude to noise and moving around the space
– A quiet, chill out space will be available should you need a break

Ear defenders
Our younger visitors can find a busy venue and loud musical activities quite overwhelming. A limited number of ear defenders are available from the Box Office – by the main entrance on Albert Road. See us as early as possible to secure a pair.