News: A.R Rahman, H Dhami & Ch4's Grewal's To Headline London's Alchemy Festival

On 7 – 11 April, Southbank Centre launches Alchemy, a major new festival celebrating contemporary and traditional culture from India.

With a full programme of music, dance, literature, food, debate and fashion, events range from a rare classical concert by celebrated composer A.R. Rahman to the very best UK bhangra, to an evening of music and chat with The Grewal Family from Channel 4’s hit documentary The Family. Add to that free classical and folk dance workshops, early morning yoga, the Alchemy Market and an immersive installation that recreates the sights and sounds of Southall, this five-day festival will take over all venues and spaces of Southbank Centre.
 

Headline acts at the Royal Festival Hall include Indian film composer, musician and singer A.R. Rahman (7 April), who presents his first concert in London since winning the Academy Award for Best Song and Best Score for the film Slumdog Millionaire in 2009. Hosted by A.R. Rahman himself, the evening features some of his most famous works, performed by Southbank Centre Resident Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, including songs from Slumdog Millionaire, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and scores to many much-loved Bollywood classics. The performance will be followed by a Q&A with the composer.
 
In a night hosted and curated by Nihal (BBC Radio 1; BBC Asian Network), with top bhangra producer Bee 2 as Musical Director, Nihal: Desi Live (8 April) marks the first time three of the biggest names in UK Bhangra – H-Dhami, Jaz Dhami and Juggy D –  have performed together on one stage, with a full live band

Festival highlights include:
 
· A.R.RAHMAN (7 April) – Academy Award-winning composer hosts a special performance of music from Slumdog Millionaire.

· AN EVENING WITH THE GREWAL FAMILY (11 April) – From the hit C4 series The Family

· NIHAL: DESI LIVE (8 April) – Radio 1 DJ presents live performances by the biggest names in UK Bhangra

· CHANDRALEKHA & GUNDECHA BROTHERS (11 April) – UK Premiere of last piece created by legendary founder of Indian modern dance

· FREE SCREENING of the classic Bollywood film Sholay to close the festival

Alchemy tickets will go on sale at Southbank Centre to members on Thursday 18 February and on general sale on Friday 19 February.

Southbank Centre Ticket Office: 0871 663 2500/ www.southbankcentre.co.uk