Today we announce that critically acclaimed composer and creative force Rushil Ranjan will become our first ever Collaborative Artist. This exciting appointment is a celebration of cross-cultural creativity, deep artistic collaboration, and of our shared vision for the future of orchestral music.

This landmark partnership represents a bold evolution in our mission to connect with audiences through collaboration, community and creativity. It formally recognises Rushil's long-standing artistic relationship with the orchestra, and signals a dynamic new model: Collaborative Artists will be fully embedded across our programme – from mainstage concerts to education projects, from possible tours to recordings.

Catherine Arlidge MBE, CBSO Director of Artistic Planning, said: “Rushil is the perfect musician to be our first Collaborative Artist. Working closely with him over the coming years will help us grow both musically and creatively, reaching new audiences across Birmingham and beyond. He brings a unique mixture of joy, humility and sincerity to his music-making, and we can’t wait to see where this creative journey takes us.”

The Orchestral Qawwali Project, created by Rushil and featuring the stunning vocals of Abi Sampa, is a genre-defying fusion of Sufi poetry, Indian classical traditions, and symphonic scale. With original orchestral arrangements performed by the orchestra, the project has been hailed as “spiritually uplifting and musically dazzling” and has drawn standing ovations across the UK.

This weekend’s sold out performances at Symphony Hall and the Barbican mark the next stage in its journey, featuring new arrangements, conductor Melvin Tay, and the acclaimed London Voices.

Rushil Ranjan said: “The CBSO was the first symphony orchestra I wrote for, and I’ll never forget the transformational moment of hearing them bring my music to life. They are a phenomenal ensemble, deeply rooted in tradition yet always reaching forward. To now join them as a Collaborative Artist is an exciting next chapter — I can’t wait to share the new work we’re creating together.”

Rushil Ranjan’s appointment as Collaborative Artist runs from 2025 to 2027, with a growing number of Collaborative Artists joining the CBSO’s creative community in the coming seasons. The programme aligns with the orchestra’s 2025–26 season vision of a “future-facing orchestra” – shaped by new partnerships, diverse voices, and grounded in the cultural richness of the West Midlands.

The partnership will also see the world premiere of a new CBSO commission from Rushil at Symphony Hall on Thursday 27 November 2025, and the Orchestral Qawwali Project returns once again in June 2026.

About Rushil Ranjan

Rushil Ranjan is a critically acclaimed, award-winning composer and producer known for blending classical traditions from across the globe. Self-taught and genre-defying, he has scored for BAFTA-nominated film and TV, created music for major global brands, and composed for some of the world’s most celebrated orchestras – from the CBSO to AR Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra. He is currently Associate Artist at the Royal Albert Hall and Artistic Partner at Manchester Camerata.