On 29 March, St George’s Hall in Bradford will host a spectacular concert that promises to be a landmark event for music lovers. 

Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra and Bradford Festival Choral Society will present an unforgettable evening featuring two extraordinary works: the evening will begin with Reena Esmail’s ‘This Love Between Us’, a powerful piece that intertwines Indian and European classical traditions, featuring sitar, tabla, symphony orchestra, and choir.

With its themes of unity and cultural harmony it’s an apt reflection of Bradford’s diverse community.

Following the interval, audiences will be treated to Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, one of the most exhilarating choral works ever written. With its dramatic intensity and iconic O Fortuna, this piece will showcase the sheer power and brilliance of the assembled forces.

Headlining the evening are four outstanding South Asian soloists who have made their mark on the global stage. British-Indian soprano Natasha Agarwal, known for her “presence of real note” (Seen and Heard International), brings her powerful vocals to this performance. Natasha has performed with Opera North, Welsh National Opera, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Joining her is Shivani Rattan, a versatile mezzo-soprano and choral conductor. With expertise in both Western and Indian choral traditions, Shivani has worked with the National Youth Choir and leading ensembles such as Papagena. 

She has also composed Three Indian Celebration Songs, which have been performed worldwide and celebrated for their contribution to diversifying choral music.

The tenor soloist, Sandeep Gurrapadi, is an Indian-American artist who has performed across the UK, India, China, and the US. A contemporary classical specialist, Sandeep has premiered works at prestigious venues like the Barbican Centre and the London Festival of American Music.

Completing the quartet is Oscar Castellino, an operatic baritone originally from Mumbai who transitioned from software engineering to a thriving international singing career. An alumnus of the Royal College of Music, Oscar has performed with Welsh National Opera and Scottish Opera and is pioneering operatic compositions in Indian languages.

This concert is more than just an evening of world-class music; it is a celebration of South Asian talent coming together with musical forces who are part of Yorkshire’s cultural heritage. With standard ticket prices ranging from £17.75 to £35.75, great offers for families, school groups and under 30s, this event is accessible to all music lovers.