Flow with flamenco: Immerse in this unique listening session to explore music differently

Deepak Verma

On most evenings, music demands to be heard and applauded. At Strings and Stories, it asks for attention. This Listening Club session, led by Flamenco guitarist Deepak Verma, proposes a slower, more intimate way of experiencing music - one that is felt before it is truly understood. Blending live flamenco guitar with guided listening and structured reflection, the evening aims to encourage the audience to engage with sound as participants rather than just spectators.

The format is carefully designed. Guests are welcomed with an introduction to the Listening Club's ethos, followed by a collective agreement to place their phones in a basket for the duration of the session. Only after this is complete, will Verma perform the curated three flamenco pieces, each followed by moderated, free-flowing discussion. Each attendee will be provided with notepads, and is encouraged to note down their doubts and reflections for an open conversation with the group.

Verma (centre) during a previous performance at a venue in Lower Parel. Pics courtesy/Ikroop Nijjar

Ikroop Nijjar, co-founder of The Listening Club, says the genre aligns naturally with this approach. "Music allows us to experience and express emotions that spoken word doesn't always have space for," she explains, adding that "the nuances and sophistication of the flamenco guitar creates space to explore emotion with curiosity and connection."

Flamenco, an intense and expressive art form from Andalusia in southern Spain, combines song (cante), dance (baile) and guitar (toque). Rooted in Gitano (Romani) culture, it features passionate vocals, intricate guitar notes, handclapping and rhythmic footwork, often exploring themes of love, grief and despair. Verma, who has lived in Spain for the past decade, will place this theme at the centre of this session.

"The most important piece for me is tradition," he says, noting that honouring its techniques allows him to share his personal journey authentically. He adds that this session will go beyond a conventional recital: "Not only will the audience get to hear the music, we will be going deeper into the heritage of the music, and my personal journey with music and its art."

On March 7; 5 pm to 7pm
At 3 Art House, Mohini Heights, Govind Dham, Khar West.
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Entry Rs 999