VIFF: An Evening with A.R. Rahman: A Legacy of Stories & Music

For one night, only two-time Oscar-winning composer and songwriter A.R. Rahman will join the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver International Film Festival for An Evening with A.R. Rahman: Stories and Music from His Career.

The international superstar will provide a keynote and performance with the VSO at the historic Orpheum Theatre, a venue known for its stunning architecture and excellent acoustics. The evening will feature music spanning his legendary career composing for some of Hollywood and Bollywood’s biggest hits.

This special concert presented by the VSO and VIFF is part of an exciting new collaboration between the two organizations. It celebrates the profound connection between music and film, promising attendees a unique and immersive experience.

Reaching international acclaim in 2008 with his score for Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman’s live performance will be a celebration of sound and emotion. His works are notable for their seamless cultural integration of Eastern classical music with electronic music sounds, world music genres, and traditional orchestral arrangements.

Celebrating A.R. Rahman

A.R. Rahman, born on January 6, 1966, in Madras (now Chennai), India, is a renowned Indian composer known as “the Mozart of Madras.” His journey from a young boy learning piano to becoming a global music icon is a testament to his passion and dedication. His early interests in electronics and computers, combined with his father’s purchase of a synthesizer, allowed him to pursue his love for music. After his father’s death, Rahman began playing piano professionally at 11 to support his family. He later received a degree in Western classical music from Trinity College, Oxford.

In 1988, Rahman’s family converted to Islam, and he took the name Allah Rakha Rahman. He gained experience creating advertising jingles, writing over 300 of them, which taught him discipline in quickly delivering powerful messages or moods. In 1991, he met Bollywood director Mani Ratnam, which led to his entry into composing music for motion pictures. His first notable success was the soundtrack for the film “Roja” (1992), which was followed by over 100 movie scores, including the music for “Lagaan” (2001), the first Bollywood film nominated for an Academy Award. Rahman’s albums have sold over 100 million copies.

His work also extended to stage musicals, collaborating with Andrew Lloyd Webber on “Bombay Dreams” and a musical version of “The Lord of the Rings,” though the latter received mixed reviews.

Rahman gained widespread recognition in the West with his score for “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), winning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and two Academy Awards for best score and best song. He continued to produce notable scores for various films, receiving critical acclaim and award nominations for his work.

In addition to his film scores, Rahman composed music for several notable Hindi-language and Tamil-language films, including “Blinded by the Light” (2019) and “Dil Bechara” (2020). His diverse portfolio showcases his versatility and enduring impact on the music world.

An Evening of Wonder

A marquee event of VIFF and a highlight of the VSO season, An Evening with A.R. Rahman will be an unforgettable experience. It will share his life’s journey with fans through a new and custom-made presentation that uniquely blends storytelling and song, offering a fresh perspective on his music and career.

The legendary artist will invite audiences behind the scenes of his greatest works, sharing insights into his process and stories from his remarkable career. He will also perform segments of his scores live with the VSO, with clips from the fan-favourite films projected on the Orpheum’s big screen.

Details for VIFF Screening HERE.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.