Here’s some exciting news! Academy Award (Oscar) two-time winner and five-time nominee, Grammy two-time winner, BAFTA, and Golden Globe winner, the legendary AR Rahman, returns to the SSE Arena Wembley on Saturday 8th July 2017 after seven years with the “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” concert.“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” will chronicle AR Rahman’s musical journey from past to present to future celebrating 25 years of creating his incredible music.
Discussing the forthcoming UK show, AR Rahman says, “From Roja to Rockstar, Kaatru Veliyidai and more, it has been an incredible musical journey over these last 25 years. I’ve been immensely blessed to have the love and support of my fans, music lovers, friends and well-wishers. It continues to inspire and motivate me. Come, join me on the 8th of July at Wembley, London! Accompanying me is an amazingly talented and energetic team of singers and musicians.”
Popularly known as the man who has redefined contemporary Indian music, he was named in 2009 as one of TIME Magazine’s most influential people in the world. According to a BBC estimate, he has sold more than 150 million copies of his work comprising music from more than 160 film soundtracks and albums in over half a dozen languages. Recent works include soundtracks for Gurinder Chadha’s Viceroy’s House and sports film Sachin: A Billion Dreams, which have dominated airwaves and delighted his fans globally.
AR Rahman’s career has consistently been punctuated with landmark Indian film scores such as Mani Ratnam’s Roja, Bombay, Dil Se trilogy, Taal, Indian, Mudhalvan, Alaipayuthey, Enthiran (Robot), the Oscar-nominated Lagaan, Vandemataram and Jodhaa Akbar. His favourites include Bollyood compositions such as Ghajini, Rangeela, Rang De Basanti, Rockstar, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Raanjhanaa, Taal, Highway and Tamasha; Tamil blockbusters like Kannathil Muthamittal, Sivaji, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and 24; and this year the score for Kaatru Veliyidai.
He is currently working on the forthcoming Indian film, Mom, (veteran actress Sridevi’s 300th film, being released in the 50th year of her film career on 7th July); 99 Songs, his directorial debut Le Musk – India’s first virtual reality (VR) title; Shankar’s film 2.0 starring superstar Rajinikanth; Sangamitra; Vijay 61; Beyond The Clouds, and more.
Beyond the world of music, AR Rahman has expanded his focus to newer horizons, setting up the AR Rahman Foundation to help underprivileged children. His initiatives to establish a tradition in western classical music in India culminated in an ambitious venture, the KM Music Conservatory and the KM Music Symphony Orchestra, both thriving and based in Chennai, India.
Of course the maestro has composed spectacular works outside of Indian films. In 2001, Andrew Lloyd Webber invited AR Rahman to compose for his musical, Bombay Dreams. The production opened to packed houses in London’s West End and had an unprecedented run for two years, later premiering in New York. His music further led him to be noticed internationally, with several of his tracks featuring in films such as The Lord Of War, Inside Man and The Accidental Husband. His composition, the Bombay Theme, has been featured in over 50 international compilations. He has also scored the music for mainstream productions such as Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours by Danny Boyle; Disney’s Million Dollar Arm and The Hundred-Foot Journey; Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth – The Golden Age, Couples Retreat, People Like Us, Pele, and the Chinese film, Warriors of Heaven & Earth among others.
In 2011, AR Rahman joined super band, SuperHeavy, comprising Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian Marley and Dave Stewart and he has collaborated with several other international artists including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, MIA, Vanessa Mae, the Pussycat Dolls, Sarah Brightman, Dido, Hossam Ramzy, Hans Zimmer and Akon.
The visionary composer will be joined onstage by very special guests including Benny Dayal, Javed Ali, Neeti Mohan, Haricharan, Jonita Gandhi, Ranjit Barot and many more. This milestone concert falls during the British Council’s UK-India year of culture.
“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” marks the first in a global series, celebrating 25 years of the timeless music of AR Rahman and his team, who have crafted and perfected performances that are enriched with high-scale technology and production. Leading engineers from around the world have been brought on board to present spectacular lighting and visuals as a backdrop to the live sounds of the musical genius, creating a multi-media extravaganza that will provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans and audiences.
“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” is presented by Hamsini Entertainment, UK and HueBox Entertainment, India.
“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”
Saturday 8th July, SSE Arena, Wembley
Ticket Purchases:
www.ssearena.co.uk/events/detail/ar-rahman
Join the conversation:
#ARRahmanInLondon
