KUALA LUMPUR: Oscar and Grammy-winning composer AR Rahman will soon release 16 compositions alongside the all-women Firdaus Orchestra comprising 50 musicians from various Arab nations.
Conceived by the United Arab Emirates' International Cooperation Minister Reem Al Hashimy, the orchestra is led by Monica Woodman as conductor.
Variety Magazine reported yesterday that the first release was titled Unsung, and paid homage to individuals who contributed without seeking recognition.
The compositions, comprising 90 per cent of instrumental pieces with occasional choral elements, explore diverse themes such as humanity, space, love and relationships.
Unsung is slated for release this week, with the remaining tracks to follow throughout the year.
The 17-minute composition Humanitas, incorporating Indian classical elements, is expected to be next.
Rahman explained that the ladies who hail from different cultures and traditions have grown to work together well.
"A lot has happened, I think the members of the orchestra are more accessible. Because initially, they are from different traditions such as the Western, Arabic and Indian traditions.
"It is a treat to work with the Firdaus Orchestra."
Although the orchestra lacked a studio when it was conceived in 2020, they currently work from a cutting-edge facility based in Dubai.
Rahman is looking eastward to enhance the orchestra and intends to work with erhu players for the Firdaus Orchestra's future collaborations.