Ar Rahman X Rushil Ranjan With Abi Sampa & Celtic Connections Orchestra

Step into an extraordinary evening at Celtic Connections as two

musical innovators come together at the Glasgow International Arena for one

night only. The legendary AR Rahman joins pioneering composer and Royal

Albert Hall Associate Artist Rushil Ranjan for a celebration of the

shared spirit of Eastern and Western classical traditions.

At the heart of the evening is Rangreza रंगरेज़ा, co-composed by Rahman and Ranjan and written for fellow

Royal Albert Hall Associate Artist Abi Sampa, orchestra and chorus. This

special performance brings together the Celtic Connections Orchestra and

Chorus, alongside students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

conducted by Melvin Tay. Featuring acclaimed soloists Sarthak Kalyani

and Janan Sathiendran, plus celebrated contemporary dancer Aakash

Odedra.

Across the night, audiences will also hear

Rahman’s most iconic works, from Roja and Guru to 127 Hours

and Rockstar. The maestro himself will take to the stage, accompanied by

Ranjan’s signature orchestral arrangements and stagecraft.

Rangreza रंगरेज़ा means ‘colourist’: someone who brings unexpected tones together and, in

Sufi tradition, a vision of the Divine as the ultimate artist, colouring the

universe with its blessings. It reflects both the artistry and the spirituality

of this collaboration, as Rahman and Ranjan weave Western and Indian traditions

Into a vivid musical palette that reaches towards the natural and the divine.

Originally premiered at the Royal Albert Hall, Rangreza

रंगरेज़ा was co-commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Toronto’s TO Live and the Melbourne

Symphony Orchestra, with lead support for its world premiere from the Bagri

Foundation.