As part of The Lowry’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, the internationally acclaimed Aakash Odedra Company, in association with Manchester Camerata, presents Songs of the Bulbul—a breathtaking fusion of dance, live orchestral music, and Qawwali singing.
Following its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival, where it received glowing 4- and 5-star reviews and was named Best Show by The List, this mesmerising solo performance by Aakash Odedra arrives at The Lowry on Tuesday 6th May as part of its English premiere and UK tour.
A Unique Collaboration of Dance, Music, and Spirituality
Created in collaboration with revered Delhi-based Kathak choreographer Rani Khanam, Songs of the Bulbul brings to life an ancient Sufi myth about the bulbul—a Persian nightingale whose song represents beauty, longing, and spiritual enlightenment.
The production is set to a stunning original score by Rushil Ranjan, a genre-defying composer known for seamlessly blending Indian classical and Western orchestral traditions. This special performance at The Lowry will feature the full force of 40 musicians from Manchester Camerata, with spellbinding vocals from Abi Sampa and Sarthak Kalyani.
Aakash Odedra on the Magic of Live Performance
For Aakash Odedra, this production is a dream come true:
"Like a caged bird waits for the door of its cage to be opened so that its spirit can fly free, I too await eagerly for the 6th of May when the Lowry's stage curtain will go up to reveal a fantasy world of live orchestra and dance. Dancing to Rushil Ranjan’s live music is any dancer’s dream. To dance to Abi Sampa's vocals live is my personal dream come true."
"It’s the first time I will dance a full-length solo accompanied by an army of musicians: Manchester’s very own Manchester Camerata, who were generous enough to become commissioning partners for this very special passion project. I feel like I will be floating on a flying magic carpet of music."
A Special Moment for The Lowry’s 25th Anniversary
Eckhard Thiemann, Associate Dance Programmer at The Lowry, reflects on the significance of this event:
"Aakash Odedra is part of The Lowry’s dance history. From his first performance of Rising in our Studio Theatre in 2014 to his regular appearances in our Quays Theatre, and now in our large-scale Lyric Theatre, he has inspired and moved our audiences for over a decade."
"His technical virtuosity mesmerises, and his collaborations with world-class artists like Abi Sampa and Rushil Ranjan open our minds to new worlds, Sufi-inspired spirituality, and deep emotions. We could not have wished for a better gift for our anniversary celebrations than this collaboration between world-class dance, singing, and orchestral power."
A Must-See for Lovers of Dance, Music, and Culture
Songs of the Bulbul is a rare opportunity to witness Kathak dance at its most profound and emotive, set against a rich musical tapestry. With its combination of expressive storytelling, flowing choreography by Rani Khanam, and a deep connection to Sufi traditions, this production promises to be a deeply moving experience.
As part of The Lowry’s year-long anniversary celebrations, which include an inspiring line-up of shows, art, and events, Songs of the Bulbul encapsulates what The Lowry is all about—creativity, opportunity, and making the arts accessible to all.