Orchestral Qawwali Project
A one-of-a-kind ensemble led by composer Rushil Ranjan and singer Abi Sampa, breathing new life into centuries-old traditions by seamlessly blending Western Classical, choral, Indian Classical and Sufi music.
Since their formation just 3 years ago, the group has sold out concert venues around the world and amassed millions of online listeners, bringing audiences together with a momentum that hasn't been seen in decades.
The Orchestral Qawwali Project's rapid success is a testament to the universal appeal of their music. They’ve redefined a genre, creating music deeply rooted in tradition yet remarkably innovative. Their concerts have earned a reputation for unifying audiences, drawing classical music lovers, qawwali enthusiasts, and people from diverse backgrounds.
This isn’t just a musical ensemble; it’s a phenomenon that transcends boundaries, uniting people through their unique sound.
More about the The Orchestral Qawwali Project
The OQP released their debut independent single, an orchestral interpretation of the ancient Sufi Poem Man Kunto Maula, in late 2020 and almost instantaneously struck a chord with audiences across the globe. Emerging from the pandemic, they made their orchestral concert debut alongside the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and conductor Clark Rundell, and the following month were personally invited by the two-time Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman to perform with his Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai.
They made their independent London debut at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in June 2022, selling the venue out in a week. After a series of sold-out shows across the UK and the Middle East, they released Rubaru, or Face to Face, the world’s first entirely original composition for a symphony orchestra and qawwali troupe.
In the continued sprit of breaking boundaries they then brought an orchestra, choir, qawwali troupe, Indian Classical dancers and a ballerina to a sold out standing crowd of 3000 at the Camden Roundhouse. To cap off a truly brilliant 2023, they then collaborated with the mighty City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, selling out Birmingham Symphony Hall and bringing an entirely new audience to the venue and to the orchestra
