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Rumi honored in celebration of poetry and music

November 2017

Franklin Abbott discusses the poetry of Rumi. (Photos: Suzanne Sen)

Sarod player Souryadeep Bhattacharyya and tabla player Saurabh Kumar joined poet Franklin Abbott in presenting a program of songs that honored the great Sufi poet and mystic Rumi. The program was presented at The First Existentialist Congregation in Candler Park on September 24, 2017. Abbott wrote five songs based on Coleman Barks' English translations of the 12th century Persian poet.

The musical additions in Indian classical music were conceptualized by Bhattacharyya and Kumar. In addition they performed two classical pieces. A starting slower melodious piece (dhun) in raag Mishra Pilu was performed to mark the tragedy that occurred at Georgia Tech (both are students there) the previous week. The other was a faster traditional piece (drut) in raag Vrindavani Sarang which showcased the skills of the two Indian classical musicians.

One audience member commented, “The Rumi stories perfectly flowed within and between the songs and the music to create a complete experience that was spiritually uplifting.” Another appreciated the “celebration of deep friendship and spiritual connection.” The trio hopes to perform the songs again in the future.

A wonderful performance, much appreciated by all—with Saurabh Kumar, Franklin Abbott, and Souryadeep Bhattacharyya. (Photos: Suzanne Sen)

Website Bonus Feature


Kamla Dutt providing introductions.	Luisah Teich opening the afternoon with a Yoruba ceremony.

Thanks to Dianne Jennett, Jean Heinrich who managed the house, Kamla Dutt and Alice L Teeter who provided introductions, Ken Gregory who did sound, Elizabeth York who surprised and delighted the audience by performing her original compositions at the piano, Luisah Teich who opened the afternoon with a Yoruba ceremony. Thanks to our sponsors First E, Charis, AQLF, Atlanta Pride, and the Women and Gender Collection in the archives at Georgia State University. And praise and gratitude to the wise and wonderful Judy Grahn who shared her poetry.

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Videos:
Rumi's "Don't Go Back to Sleep."
Recorded by Lisa Lise Taquette, 9/25/17.
https://www.facebook.com/lisalise.taquette/videos/1378210315621497/

Franklin Abbott - "The Old Rule" (LIVE @ 800 East)
Fischbowl Productions
Uploaded on Mar 25, 2017
https://youtu.be/ELW_UDhWnlc

Franklin Abbott - "Sonnet 36" (LIVE @ 800 East)
Fischbowl Productions
Uploaded on Mar 26, 2017
https://youtu.be/mpsegf5eLKI