Sufi music and poetry, Indian classical dance, the airborne vocals of Abi Sampa, and artful orchestrations converge in a free-spirited project whose transformative ecstasy holds audiences spellbound.

East meets West and traditions are interrogated and refashioned as ground-breaking Orchestra Qawwali – brainchild of composer Rushil Ranjana and singer Abi Sampa – continues its all-embracing mission to cultivate a rapturous space where cultures collude, rewarding dialogues are forged, and spiritual exaltation flourishes.

Multi-disciplinary composer-arranger Rushil Rajana and veena virtuoso and singer Abi Sampa formed Orchestra Qawwali Project in 2020, and its cross-genre collaborations have been enthusiastically received by sell-out audiences from Scotland to the Royal Albert Hall. Tonight, together with dancer Vidya Patel, the Project renews its relationship with the CBSO – with prize-winning conductor Melvin Tay at the helm.

Programme
Rushil Ranjan - Allah Hoo
Man Kunto Maula
Ehsaas
Rubaru
Shikwa Movement 6
Shikwa Movement 1
Dam Dam Karo Fareed
Ganj Shakar
Rang

Performers
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Melvin Tay - conductor
Rushil Ranjan - director, harmonium, piano, guitar
Abi Sampa - lead vocalist, harmonium
Kash Qalandar - tabla
George Kakas - harmonium
Lydia Alonso - cello
Vidya Patel - dancer
Mark Chambers - alto
Samer Al-Sharawi - bass
Vibhati Bhati - chorus
Sonal Varsani - chorus
Shahid Abbas Khan - chorus
Pranav Nair - chorus