Legendary figures in Bangladeshi music and dance, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Shibli Mohammad, and Shamim Ara Niipa, have arrived in Toronto to headline the highly anticipated cultural event, “Moments with Legends.” Scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Toronto Pavilion in North York, the program is currently undergoing intense final preparations and rehearsals.
Organizer Nahid Nasreen Nayan emphasized that the event represents a long-held dream to bring these three icons together on a single stage. As part of the pre-show activities, Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Niipa conducted a two-day workshop on November 7 and 8, mentoring 46 local dancers. The participants received direct guidance on rhythm, poise, expressions, and technical performance skills, which they are now incorporating into the final showcase under the artists’ supervision.
Rezwana Choudhury Bannya has also begun rehearsals for her musical performance, which will feature a unique fusion of traditional and Western instruments, including the flute, sitar, piano, cello, and tabla. This arrangement is designed to present Tagore’s timeless songs in a fresh, evocative manner. The production team, including all performers and organizers, is working tirelessly to ensure the evening becomes a milestone for the local Bengali cultural community.
Doors at the venue, located at 190 Railside Road, will open at 5:30 p.m. on November 14, with the main event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Organizers are confident that the blend of Rabindra Sangeet, rhythmic dance, and diverse instrumentation will create a memorable experience for the audience, marking a historic collaboration between these Bangladeshi icons and Toronto-based talents.
