The Bradford Literature Festival is set to host the world premiere of the first-ever live symphonic interpretation of Allama Muhammed Iqbal's iconic Urdu poem, Shikwa. The event is scheduled for Friday, 23rd June 2023, at St George's concert hall in Bradford.

The performance, a fusion of classical Islamic music and Western orchestral classical music, is a collaboration between Abi Sampa, Rushil Ranjan, and the Manchester Camerata Orchestra. The composition, created by multi-disciplinary artist and composer, Rushil Ranjan, will be vocalised by the talented Abi Sampa from The Orchestral Qawwali Project.

The symphonic interpretation of Shikwa, originally written in 1909, is structured as a symphonic poem made up of six separate movements.

The Bradford Literature Festival, running from 23rd June to 2nd July, offers a platform for diverse and marginalised voices and stories. The festival operates an extensive Ethical Ticketing Policy, offering free or discounted tickets to those who might otherwise be unable to attend the festival.

For more information about the Bradford Literature Festival and to purchase tickets for the Shikwa performance, please visit https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/event/shikwa-a-symphonic-poem/.

The festival also features other significant events such as 'A Journey through Bollywood', 'Twenty Years On: Judi Jackson Celebrates Nina Simone', Sufiyana Kalaam, and 'Sacred Music'.

The Bradford Literature Festival is an annual festival and year-round cultural outreach programme encompassing literature, music, theatre, cultural discussions, lectures and family events.