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.