Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is being celebrated worldwide—a time when friends and family come together to share in the joy and light that dispels the darkness. As we transition into the long winter nights, Diwali reminds us to hold onto hope and embrace the promise of the New Year.

We warmly invite you to join us for Songs for the Soul, a captivating new work by Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa, commissioned by Manchester Camerata. This piece beautifully blends the sounds of a Western classical orchestra with the timeless melodies of Carnatic music, a deeply spiritual and ancient tradition from the Indian subcontinent. With its intricate rhythms and ragas, Carnatic music vividly narrates tales from Hindu mythology, offering a profound experience that transcends the ordinary.

Rushil Ranjan, a multi-disciplinary artist known for his extraordinary work in contemporary, Sufi, and classical music, brings his unique vision to this project. His Orchestral Qawwali Project, performed at the Albert Hall, has garnered critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as one of today's most distinctive musical voices.

Abi Sampa, a multi-instrumentalist, Qawwali singer, and Veena virtuoso, is a central figure in contemporary Sufi and fusion music. Her mastery of both Western and Indian classical music, and her ability to seamlessly blend different styles, has earned her widespread praise and admiration.

Manchester Camerata, the UK's most innovative orchestra, continues to push the boundaries of what an orchestra can achieve. Whether performing for thousands at Glastonbury or bringing music into care homes for people living with dementia, Manchester Camerata exemplifies the transformative and unifying power of music

(Māyā) – In Sanskrit, Māyā means 'illusion' and is also an alternative name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.

Presented in partnership with SAA-uk, Leeds International Concert Season and Opera North.