The master composer discusses the growth and importance of the all-female ensemble created in Dubai and how the ‘only way survive is to do new things’
In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone India, the legendary A.R. Rahman opens up about the release of “The Unsung,” the first of 16 tracks in collaboration with the all-female ensemble Firdaus Orchestra, an initiative of Expo City Dubai. Known for his innovative approach to music, Rahman discusses the inspiration and creative journey behind their latest series, a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds that traverse the themes of humanity, space, and love. Rahman takes us behind the scenes, sharing insights into the process, challenges, and the profound messages woven into each piece.
Rolling Stone India: What sparked the creation of your series with the Firdaus Orchestra, and why did you choose them for this venture?
A.R. Rahman: I’ve been given the privilege to compose for the fabulous Firdaus Orchestra, with its 56 members from 28 nationalities. These musicians have really evolved since we founded them three years back. Throughout the series, each piece is actually trying to bring the artistry of solo musicians and the orchestra.
So the challenge was to see how you can integrate a very orchestral, western kind of a music and also have a hybrid possibility of blending both Arabic, Indian, and western classical. The first piece we’re releasing is called “The Unsung.”
“Unsung” is actually a tribute to all the people who are behind the scenes doing great things like your parents, your teachers, people who help each other without needing to put a post or Instagram post about it.
It’s about celebrating not just our friends but also doctors, nurses, and others we seldom celebrate. That’s why they are called unsung and this piece actually kind of celebrates their integrity, the purity and love.
How did the idea for this project begin, and what was the journey like from concept to completion?
I started as a film composer and I started composing for commercials, TV commercials and stuff. So my mind was always into, ‘What do they want, what are they commissioning me for?’ Even though I wanted to do my own music, my own thoughts as a musical piece, it came through the characters of the stories which was given to me.
For the Firdaus Orchestra when they asked me to compose, it was quite difficult to say ‘Okay, now I have to find a purpose for this piece, what am I going to do?’ These 16 pieces I’m doing for those orchestras all over the place actually. Some of them are very personal, some of them are like tributes like “The Unsung” and some of them are massive symphonic kind of pieces for the mission of space which the East is doing. Some of them are very, very experimental, they don’t have a melody, they just have an arpeggio or something akin to a scale.
But because we have the luxury of the Firdaus studio in Expo City Dubai, and the musicians here, I kind of sometimes come and re-record the things, change the range and experiment. It’s a beautiful experience, just evolving with time, because some of the pieces from two, three years ago; I’m re-recording them, just to find another kind of a dynamic or tempo change or additional arrangements.
Could you discuss the unique cultural influences the Firdaus Orchestra added to the project?
Firdaus is a classical orchestra, as well as a hybrid. They go much further than that, because they are open to new things. The way we created Firdaus was to take the challenges of the modern world. There’s so many challenges now. The only way to supersede and survive is to do new things, things which are very passionate, which are very personal, which goes to the depth of artistry, and we have those people here.
In today’s world, how important is it to promote diversity and inclusivity in the music industry, and how does this series contribute to that conversation?
It’s crucial for the vitality and evolution of the music industry to embrace a broad spectrum of voices and experiences. My work with the Firdaus Orchestra illustrates the beauty and innovation that arise from such inclusivity.
The orchestra has become iconic for Dubai, the U.A.E. and for the world because it is a statement to the modern world which is so disconnected and divided and they bring hope, they bring joy, they bring faith in humanity.
It underscores music’s role in fostering new perspectives, acceptance, and unity, serving as a powerful example of how music can inspire change and advance conversations about equality and empowerment.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this series, in terms of both music and cultural message?
My hope is that this series acts as a bridge, connecting listeners across different cultures through the power of music.
This piece [“The Unsung”] aims to blend various musical traditions to honor their selfless acts, promoting unity and showcasing the true essence of collaboration and silent heroism.
What role does music play in bridging cultural divides, especially in diverse regions like the Middle East?
In my journey, I’ve observed that art, particularly music, holds a profound capacity to either divide or unite. Music, in its essence, transcends boundaries, offering a medium to showcase the rich tapestry of culture to the world. It’s a call to action for unity, to appreciate our differences, and to leverage the universal language of music to foster a more interconnected and harmonious world. Through my compositions and collaborations, I’ve aimed to bridge the gaps, bringing to light the beauty of blending various musical traditions.
Finally, what future do you envision for global musical collaborations and their impact on the world?
My vision for the future of global musical collaborations is centered on innovation, unity, and the breaking down of cultural barriers. With the Firdaus Studio, I launched a space for collaboration among musicians across the world. My hope is that we continue to explore new frontiers, fostering a world where music acts as a bridge, connecting us all despite our diverse backgrounds.