Ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai, composer-filmmaker Firdous talks to us about mentoring the Women’s Orchestra, bringing harmony through collaboration, and more
AR Rahman doesn’t stop working. In many upcoming projects like Cobra, Atrangi Re, Ayalan, Heropanti 2 And ponniyin selvan, the composer has also collaborated with Expo 2020 Dubai to conceptualize a state-of-the-art music recording studio in the UAE, and pioneer an all-female ensemble of musicians: the Firdaus Women’s Orchestra.
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The ambitious initiative brings together 50 talented female musicians from the UAE and the wider MENA region to create a unique musical project directed by Rahman. Oscar winners, whose recent releases include 99 SongsSand mm, will also be part of the concerts with the orchestra at Expo 2020 Dubai, during which their compositions will also be performed on stage.
Described as a fusion of styles and genres, the ensemble comprises women of 23 nationalities, aged between 16 and 51, with Yasmina Sabbah as its conductor. Their music will draw inspiration from the ancient traditions of the UAE region, which have used such instruments. otter, rebaba And darbuka
From recent previews of the orchestra shared on social media, it is clear that their intrigue for Arabic music (audiences have seen it in many of their compositions, notably hmm humma) still persists. Musicians have been more active than ever during the pandemic – their suggestions to balance WFH and focus on mental health are testament to that – and their quest to push boundaries remains as fascinating as ever.
Ahead of the expo on October 1, Rahman talks to us about founding this progressive music project from Dubai, bringing harmony through collaboration, and balancing the experimental with the mainstream.
Excerpts from an interview:
You have always said that you benefit more when you give advice to someone; Do you want to be a part of this initiative?
For me, teaching has always been about learning; When you give, you get.
The world is in a very divisive place right now, and people are always afraid of what they don’t understand. So when the idea came, it was a great opportunity for all these women of different nationalities to work together and create something beautiful. Those who see them will also be from different parts of the world. From Syria and Lebanon to Oman and Armenia, hopefully this idea will be a culmination point for people to play music together, foster bonds and build understanding.
What is the difference between collaborating with musicians from different cultures and in a country outside India?
It’s been three months so far from rehearsing and arranging everything, and we’re also building a studio. I feel in Dubai, everything revolves around progress. This is a place where I see bikinis and burqa together in hotels. Everything is so open and free, and no one is controlling anyone. The ideology and the blueprint here is beautiful; It is a place that embraces everything and everyone, and allows them to shine.
Of course, the orchestra is very respectable, and it’s all about talent and expression. He has quality and commitment to his vision, and coming from India, I feel honored that I have been asked to guide this initiative. Our first concert is on 23rd October and Firdaus will be doing more in the future as well.
The word ‘Firdaus’ means something like ‘Garden of Heaven’. Why did you choose to name the orchestra this way?
In a philosophical context, music has different meanings in different cultures. In some, they refer to it as the untold language of God. In others, they say that music takes you into a different realm.
So I wanted to remind everyone that everything that comes to us from the Creator has a spirit. It is also a tribute to our mothers in a way; For sons, it is claimed that heaven is found under the feet of their mothers.
Finally, it is also meant to bring about a special – not religious – relationship, as all these women are from different religions. They may be Christian, Muslim or Hindu, but it is humanity that unites the soul. word Paradise seemed very complementary to that ideology.
You’ve always fought to empower women, whether it’s your refusal to include abusive/sexist lyrics in your lyrics, or sticking up for a viral post on your daughter’s clothing choices last year. Is the establishment of a women’s group an extension of that ideology of yours?
I must say, salute to Khatija! Now, we’re all wearing burqa In a way with our masks, right? How much freedom I can walk anywhere and no one recognizes me. Guess he finally proved a point to everyone. (laughing)
As for your question, who are the first men to empower women? Women don’t need us; They empower themselves. He is today a world leader and head of state. In fact, the idea to create this orchestra was from His Excellency Reem Al Hashimi, and I immediately agreed because I found the idea of exchanging experiences fascinating.
You know, power lets people make decisions without considering the other person. That’s why the world is going through so many disasters. But I think now we are at a point where people have to listen to the other counterpart.
Do you, as a senior figure in the creative community in India, feel a sense of responsibility to foster relations with other countries through your art?
Honestly, it happened very naturally. As a person, I am never threatened by anything. I am always following my heart, and my path is set. (Smile)
At this stage in your career, do you resonate more with independent projects than with film musicals you’ve done for decades?
off course not! I still love doing film music. It is such a great honor for me that I am still able to compose for films and people still love it. In many places, composers are specifically bracketed or defined based on the work they perform. But I am very fortunate to live in India, where no one judged me or graded my music. There is only pure respect all around. I’ve always used orchestral pieces in my movies too, right from the time I did fasting. I am glad that I got the opportunity to continue my pursuit of work – be it classical or Carnatic – and it is a blessing for me. This is the biggest gift India has ever given to me.
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