A.R. RAHMAN APPOINTED HONORARY PRESIDENT OF TRINITY LABAN

A.R. Rahman appointed as Honorary President of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London

Legendary composer and global music icon A.R. Rahman has added yet another prestigious accolade to his illustrious career. The Academy Award-winning musician has been appointed Honorary President of the renowned Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. Known for its trailblazing programmes in music, musical theatre, and contemporary dance, Trinity Laban stands as a beacon of innovation in the performing arts, and Rahman’s appointment heralds a new era of collaboration and creativity. 

This honorary position, which spans a five-year term, aligns seamlessly with Rahman’s mission to expand the horizons of musical theatre in India and beyond. Over the years, his groundbreaking contributions to both Indian and international music have earned him an unparalleled reputation. Now, with this new role, he aims to weave his passion for the performance arts into a global vision. 

A.R. Rahman

Reflecting on a defining moment in his journey, Rahman recounted his meeting with the legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2000. “When I met the king of musical theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber, he casually asked me, ‘Are you going to take the mantle of musical theatre forward?’ At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what he meant,” Rahman shared. “But as I worked on projects like Bombay Dreams on Broadway and The Lord of the Rings in England and Canada, I began to realise the depth of his vision. It was a serious, visionary thought.” 

Rahman sees immense potential for musical theatre in India but emphasises the need for focused investment and the right infrastructure to nurture this art form. “If we invest in our talent and build the right infrastructure, we can open up a whole new genre of entertainment in India,” he said. “But I can’t do it alone. I need government support, incentives for performers, musicians, and the infrastructure to support this growth. We are now at a technological crossroads where visuals can be easily generated, but nothing compares to the magic of live performance.” 

As a global cultural ambassador, Rahman is acutely aware of the rising demand for authentic, live performances worldwide. “Western artists have made billions on recent tours. People want to experience real performances,” he observed. This appointment at Trinity Laban, he believes, comes at an opportune moment, empowering him to drive transformational projects both in India and internationally. 

Through initiatives such as the KM Music Conservatory and the Sunshine Orchestra, Rahman has already laid the groundwork for nurturing young talent. Collaborations with Trinity Laban are expected to amplify these efforts, creating new pathways for Indian performers to flourish in a rapidly evolving global entertainment industry. 

“The next five years at Trinity Laban could mark a new era of global collaboration in music and dance,” Rahman said with optimism. 

Rahman’s 2024 calendar is brimming with an exciting line-up of ambitious projects, including Chhava, Lahore 1947, an Indian period epic, and the much-anticipated Gandhi series. Collaborations with acclaimed directors such as Imtiaz Ali and Mani Ratnam, alongside other international commitments, further highlight his unwavering dedication to storytelling through music. 

As A.R. Rahman embarks on this new chapter at Trinity Laban, it is clear that his visionary leadership will continue to inspire, not only reshaping the future of musical theatre but also nurturing a generation of performers poised to carry this art form to new heights.