Renowned South Asian music icon Runa Laila is poised to take centre stage in Melbourne this August as part of the highly anticipated “Runa Laila Legacy Tour”, a special concert series designed to honour her extraordinary contribution to the global music landscape over several decades.
The performance is scheduled for 8 August at the esteemed Melbourne Recital Centre, with the concert set to commence at 5:30 pm local time. The event is being organised by the Australia Bangladesh Cultural Exchange (ABCx), an organisation committed to promoting cultural collaboration and artistic exchange between Bangladesh and Australia.
The evening will not only celebrate Runa Laila’s illustrious repertoire but will also showcase a dynamic collaboration with Bengal Symphony, under the direction of acclaimed National Film Award-winning composer and singer Emon Chowdhury. The ensemble is expected to bring a contemporary orchestral dimension to some of the region’s most beloved musical compositions.
According to Bengal Symphony’s manager, Sujon Debnath, preparations for the international tour are progressing steadily. He confirmed that preliminary arrangements have largely been finalised, while a few logistical details remain under discussion. He further noted that, subject to final confirmation, the team is expected to depart from Dhaka on 30 July for Melbourne.
Adding to the growing anticipation, band member Md Syduzzaman Sumon recently shared the official concert poster on social media, reflecting strong enthusiasm among performers and fans alike.
Organisers have stated that the concert programme will feature a blend of Runa Laila’s timeless classics alongside contemporary interpretations performed by Bengal Symphony. The setlist will also include several popular tracks from recent productions associated with “Coke Studio Bangla”, a platform known for revitalising South Asian music for modern audiences.
Audience favourites expected to feature in the performance include “Shada Shada Kala Kala”, “Kotha Koiyo Na”, “Baji”, “Ami Ghomta Khule”, and “Teka Pakhi”, among others. Ticket sales are already underway, with organisers reporting significant interest from music enthusiasts and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora across Australia.
Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Runa Laila Legacy Tour – Melbourne Concert |
| Date | 8 August |
| Time | 5:30 pm (local time) |
| Venue | Melbourne Recital Centre |
| Organiser | Australia Bangladesh Cultural Exchange (ABCx) |
| Featured Artists | Runa Laila, Bengal Symphony |
| Musical Direction | Emon Chowdhury |
| Departure (planned) | 30 July from Dhaka |
The concert is expected to serve as a significant cultural milestone, reinforcing Runa Laila’s enduring legacy while strengthening artistic ties between Bangladesh and Australia through a shared celebration of music.
