In a world increasingly cluttered with noise, Sydney’s City Recital Hall offered a rare pause on October 1 with a meditative, heart-centered gathering led by UK-based kirtan artist and spiritual teacher Radhika Das.
His Mantra That’ll Move Soul tour promised a musical and devotional experience, and for the most part, it delivered.
The concert began with opening act Premanjali setting a reverent tone. Das then took the stage after a short interval, guiding the audience into the world of kirtan – a form of devotional call-and-response chanting rooted in the Bhakti tradition of India. It was no rigid ritual; Das created a deeply welcoming atmosphere. Whether you were a long-time practitioner or a complete newcomer to mantra music, the space felt open, safe, and resonant.
Musically, the performance was both understated and powerful. The ensemble – featuring harmonium, percussion, an especially notable guitarist name, and subtle drone textures – provided a lush yet restrained soundscape that allowed the vocals to shine. Das’s voice was earthy, earnest, and unforced. He wasn’t there to perform in the traditional sense; he was there to connect. Throughout the night, he encouraged the audience to chant, sing, and to feel.
What made the experience especially memorable was the communal energy. So many voices filled the acoustically pristine hall in unison echoing sacred mantras. Even moments of silence were charged with presence. The transitions between chants were paced intentionally, giving time for reflection between waves of collective sound.
City Recital Hall proved to be a surprisingly fitting venue. Known more for classical performances, its clean acoustics gave clarity to every syllable and drumbeat. The sound mix was balanced and intimate which complemented the spirit of the event.
Still, a few pacing issues kept this from being a flawless evening. While the extended chants were powerful, some began to feel repetitive. The emotional arc of the evening might have benefited from tighter structuring or a more defined climax. Additionally, those unfamiliar with the tradition may have found certain stretches less engaging without context or translation.
Yet, the concert was clearly more than entertainment. It was intended as a spiritual experience, and on that front, it succeeded. Audience members left visibly moved, many hugging, some wiping away tears, most walking out with softened faces and slowed steps.
In summary, Mantra That’ll Move Soul did just that. Not through spectacle, but through sincerity, Das offered a space for inner quiet, for reflection, and for shared devotion. It wasn’t perfect, but it was profound.
