PHOTOS AND B-ROLL

HOUSTON (April 30, 2026) – The Houston Symphony presents an extraordinary symphonic celebration of music with Grammy and two-time Academy Award Winning global music luminary A. R. Rahman. One of the world’s most prolific music composers and the musical genius behind the soul-stirring music of Slumdog Millionaire, A. R. Rahman joins the Houston Symphony for a magnificent evening of Rahman’s genre-spanning compositions, ranging from Eastern classical, pop, world music, and rap. There are two performances of A. R. Rahman with the Houston Symphony, July 24 and 25, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Hall.

With over 160 soundtracks and albums to his credit, Rahman’s Hollywood collaborations include Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, Pele, People Like Us, The Hundred Foot Journey, Messenger of God, Million Dollar Arm, and he has collaborated with a diverse array of international artists, including U2, Mick Jagger in SuperHeavy, Coldplay, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, M.I.A., Vanessa Mae, the Pussycat Dolls, Sarah Brightman, Dido, Hossam Ramzy, Hans Zimmer, and Akon.  Of course, with Slumdog Millionaire Rahman reached the height of global renown, with his score for the film garnering him two Academy Awards, two Grammys, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA, among many other accolades.

Tickets to A. R. Rahman with the Houston Symphony, July 24 and 25 at Jones Hall as well as the rest of the Houston Symphony’s 2025–26 Season, are available at houstonsymphony.org, by phone or text at 713-224-7575, or in person at the Houston Symphony’s Courtyard Level box office at Jones Hall.

A. R. Rahman with the Houston Symphony

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:30 p.m.

Jones Hall for the Performing Arts

A.R. Rahman, Composer And Musician

About A. R. Rahman

Renowned worldwide as A. R. Rahman, he stands as an iconic figure known for redefining Indian film and contemporary music. His illustrious career has been adorned with a staggering list of achievements, making him a true luminary in the industry.

With a prolific body of work that spans across more than 160 film soundtracks and albums in over half a dozen languages, Rahman's compositions have touched the hearts of millions. His music has played an integral role in blockbuster movies such as Roja, Bombay, Dil Se, Taal, Lagaan, Vandemataram, Jodhaa Akbar, Ponniyin Selvan (I & II), Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, and countless more.

Rahman's journey into music began at a tender age, leading him to compose jingles and scores for popular Indian television programs. In 1991, his collaboration with noted filmmaker Mani Ratnam on Roja propelled him to national stardom, earning him his first Indian National Award for Best Music Composer, a feat unprecedented for a debutant. Rahman has since claimed this prestigious honor 5 more times, setting a remarkable record in the industry.

In 1997, Sony Music recognized Rahman's exceptional talent and signed him as its first South Asian artist to commemorate India's 50 years of independence. The result was Vande Mataram, an album that rekindled the spirit of patriotism and resonated with Indians across the globe.

Rahman's global influence continued to soar when he collaborated with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musical Bombay Dreams, a departure from his usual composition projects. The show achieved immense success, running for two years in London's West End and later premiering on Broadway in New York City.

In 2005, Rahman co-composed the stage production of The Lord of the Rings, one of the most ambitious stage productions ever undertaken. His music has transcended borders, featuring in international films such as The Lord of War, Inside Man, and The Accidental Husband.

The iconic 'Bombay Theme' from 'Bombay' has graced over 50 international compilations. Rahman's collaboration with Hollywood includes notable works like Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, Pele, People Like Us, The Hundred Foot Journey, Messenger of God, Million Dollar Arm, and many more.

The pinnacle of Rahman's global recognition arrived in 2008 with the astounding success of Slumdog Millionaire, earning him two Academy Awards, two Grammys, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA, among many other accolades.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of music, Rahman has received honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions like Trinity College of Music, Aligarh Muslim University, Anna University, Middlesex University, and the esteemed Berklee College of Music. Time Magazine also named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2009.

Throughout his career, Rahman has collaborated with a diverse array of international artists, including U2, Mick Jagger in SuperHeavy, Coldplay, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, M.I.A., Vanessa Mae, the Pussycat Dolls, Sarah Brightman, Dido, Hossam Ramzy, Hans Zimmer, and Akon.

His orchestral compositions have graced renowned orchestras like the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Babelsberg Film Orchestra, the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and in 2017 he was commissioned by the Seattle Symphony to create The Flying Lotus, all of which attest to his unparalleled diversity and influence in the world of music.

Today, Rahman continues to inspire and nurture new talent through initiatives such as the 'all-women Firdaus Orchestra,' supported by UAE Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, and the A. R. Rahman Foundation, which aims to provide underprivileged children with music education. His vision also extends to promoting western classical music in India and establishing the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Rahman ventured into directing India's first-ever virtual reality movie, Le Musk, and co-wrote and produced 99 Songs, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival.

His incredible band recently celebrated two highly successful sold-out tours, in the USA in 2022, and in Europe in the year 2023.

A. R. Rahman’s extraordinary journey continues to be a testament to his boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to the world of music and beyond.