The Orchestral Qawwali Project – India Debut | Rushil Ranjan & Abi Sampa
About the Event

The Orchestral Qawwali Project (OQP) makes its India debut, bringing an immersive new approach to contemporary live music to audiences for the very first time.

Led by composer Rushil Ranjan and qawwal Abi Sampa, the Orchestral Qawwali Project creates a distinctive musical experience by bringing together traditions that are rarely heard in such a powerful combination. The ensemble fuses Western classical music, choral music, Indian classical music and Sufi traditions into a singular live performance.

The result is an expansive meeting of orchestration, voice, rhythm and devotion, offering audiences a contemporary interpretation of qawwali and Sufi musical traditions within an orchestral setting.

Over the course of just three years, the independent ensemble has built a strong reputation for its live performances, including sold-out shows at iconic venues such as London's Royal Albert Hall. OQP has also been described by The Sunday Times as “a stunner,” reflecting the acclaim surrounding its distinctive approach to live performance.

Now, audiences in India have the opportunity to experience this celebrated ensemble live as it brings its orchestral interpretation of qawwali to the stage for the first time in the country.

A powerful meeting of devotion, orchestration and artistry — experienced live for the very first time.

What Is The Orchestral Qawwali Project?

The Orchestral Qawwali Project is built around the meeting of musical traditions.

At its core is the expressive and devotional energy of qawwali and Sufi music, expanded through the scale and texture of Western classical orchestration. Indian classical influences add another layer of musical depth, while choral elements contribute to the richness and collective power of the performance.

This combination gives OQP its distinctive character. Rather than presenting these traditions separately, the project brings them together into a shared musical language designed specifically for the live stage.

The performance is led by two central creative forces: composer Rushil Ranjan, who shapes the orchestral and compositional dimensions of the project, and qawwal Abi Sampa, whose vocal presence connects the performance to the emotional and devotional traditions of qawwali.

Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa
Rushil Ranjan – Composer

Rushil Ranjan leads the project as its composer, bringing together the orchestral, classical and contemporary dimensions of OQP.

His role is central to creating the musical framework in which Western classical, choral, Indian classical and Sufi traditions can coexist as part of one cohesive performance.

Abi Sampa – Qawwal

Abi Sampa leads the qawwali side of the experience, bringing the vocal intensity and devotional expression associated with the tradition to the centre of the performance.

Together, Ranjan and Sampa create a meeting point between composition and qawwali, allowing the music to move between intimate expression and large-scale orchestral sound.

A Fusion of Musical Traditions

One of the defining features of the Orchestral Qawwali Project is its genre-spanning musical approach.

Western Classical

Western classical orchestration provides scale, arrangement and a broad instrumental palette to the performance.

Choral Music

Choral elements add layers of harmony and collective vocal texture, contributing to the immersive nature of the live experience.

Indian Classical Music

Indian classical influences connect the project to the wider landscape of Indian musical traditions while complementing the qawwali framework.

Sufi Traditions

At the emotional heart of the project is the devotional character of Sufi music and qawwali, bringing spirituality, intensity and expressive vocal performance into the orchestral setting.

Together, these traditions form the singular musical identity of OQP.

An Immersive Live Music Experience

The Orchestral Qawwali Project is designed to be experienced live.

The combination of orchestral scale, choral voices, Indian musical influences and powerful qawwali performance creates a sound that is both expansive and deeply expressive. The performance invites audiences to experience the music through its layered arrangements, vocal energy and emotional intensity.

The event is not simply a presentation of different genres. It is an artistic conversation between traditions, brought together through contemporary orchestration and live performance.

For audiences who enjoy qawwali, Sufi music, Indian classical music, orchestral concerts and genre-crossing performances, OQP offers an opportunity to encounter these sounds in a distinctive format.

From the Royal Albert Hall to India

In only three years, the independent ensemble has performed at major venues and built recognition for its live work. Among the venues highlighted by the project is London's Royal Albert Hall, where OQP has sold out performances.

The ensemble has also received strong critical attention, including being described by The Sunday Times as “a stunner.”

The India debut marks another significant moment in the project's journey, bringing its distinctive orchestral qawwali format to an Indian audience.

What to Expect
India Debut

Experience The Orchestral Qawwali Project live in India for the first time.

Orchestral Qawwali

Witness the meeting of qawwali and large-scale orchestral arrangements in a contemporary live format.

Powerful Vocal Performance

Abi Sampa brings the emotional and expressive force of qawwali to the centre of the musical experience.

Contemporary Orchestration

Rushil Ranjan's compositional approach brings multiple musical traditions together into one cohesive performance.

Western Classical and Choral Elements

Experience layered orchestral and choral textures alongside Indian classical and Sufi influences.

Devotional and Immersive Atmosphere

The event explores the connection between devotion, music and live artistry, creating a performance intended to be experienced collectively.

A Meeting of Devotion and Orchestration

At the centre of OQP is a musical idea that allows seemingly different traditions to coexist.

Qawwali brings vocal expression, rhythm and devotion. Western classical orchestration introduces scale and instrumental depth. Choral music creates additional vocal layers, while Indian classical traditions contribute another dimension to the overall musical palette.

The result is a performance that aims to create an immersive environment in which every part of the arrangement contributes to the larger experience.

For audiences familiar with qawwali, the orchestral treatment offers a different way of experiencing the tradition. For listeners who primarily enjoy classical or contemporary orchestral music, the performance provides an entry point into the world of Sufi and qawwali traditions through a familiar concert format.

Entry and Security Guidelines

Guests are requested to carry a valid ID proof when attending the event.

The management reserves the right to conduct security procedures, including frisking, as part of the entry process. Attendees are expected to cooperate with venue security personnel and comply with all applicable safety requirements.

Dangerous or potentially hazardous objects are not permitted inside the venue. These include, but are not limited to:

Weapons
Knives
Guns
Fireworks
Helmets
Laser devices
Bottles
Musical instruments

Individuals carrying prohibited objects may be denied entry or ejected from the venue, with or without the owner, according to management and venue rules.

Entry While Intoxicated

People who are found to be in an inebriated state may not be allowed entry.

The organisers also hold the right to deny late entry to the event. Guests are therefore advised to arrive on time and allow sufficient time for security procedures.

Ticket Refund and Rescheduling Policy

Please note that no refunds on purchased tickets are possible, even in case of rescheduling.

Ticket holders should therefore review the event details and applicable venue rules carefully before completing their purchase.

The ticket policy applies regardless of whether the event is subsequently rescheduled.

Safety and Liability

The sponsors, performers and organisers are not responsible for any injury or damage occurring due to the event.

All attendees are expected to follow security instructions, venue policies and event guidelines throughout the performance.

Any claims relating to injury or damage arising from the event would be settled in the courts in Mumbai, as stated in the terms and conditions.

Important Things to Know Before You Attend

Before attending the Orchestral Qawwali Project India debut, guests should carry a valid ID proof and be prepared for security procedures, including frisking.

Dangerous or potentially hazardous objects are prohibited inside the venue. People who are in an inebriated state may be denied entry, while late entry may also be refused at the organisers' discretion.

Most importantly, tickets are non-refundable even if the event is rescheduled, so attendees should keep the ticket policy in mind before booking.

Venue rules apply to all guests.

Experience OQP Live in India

The Orchestral Qawwali Project's India debut offers an opportunity to experience a distinctive fusion of musical traditions led by Rushil Ranjan and Abi Sampa.

Bringing together Western classical, choral, Indian classical and Sufi traditions, OQP creates an expansive live sound centred around orchestration, qawwali and devotional expression.

After performances at major venues including London's Royal Albert Hall and recognition from publications such as The Sunday Times, the ensemble now brings this musical experience to India for the first time.

Come experience a powerful meeting of devotion, orchestration and artistry — live with The Orchestral Qawwali Project.