Khatija Rahman brings a unique choral ensemble to Chennai along with Kalyani Nair at Garden of Echoes

There are concerts, and then there are experiences—spaces that transport you to a different realm through music. Music composer and singer Khatija Rahman’s upcoming show, The Garden of Echoes, belongs unmistakably to the latter. At Chennai’s iconic Museum Theatre, this intimate concert will gather voices, memories, and melodies into one immersive experience. 

The name ‘Garden of Echoes’, came from a deeply personal moment for Khatija while performing at her late grandmother’s birthday celebrations, held at a place called Peace Garden.  

“When I say echoes, there’s going to be a lot of voices; not just of me, but of many elements involved—there is a string quartet, a brass trio, there’s my band, and then there’s a conductor. We are a large ensemble, and I wanted that name to embody what we speak.”

The Garden of Echoes is held together by its collaborators. The concert features The Sunshine Orchestra’s String Quartet, a brass trio, the Indian Choral Ensemble directed by singer Kalyani Nair and co-directed by Karthik Manickavasakam, and Khatija’s full band. With over two decades in the industry, Kalyani’s sensibilities lend the performance its signature warmth and depth. “Her arrangements are so soulful. It captures the sound I have always dreamt of.” 

The set list spans Khatija’s musical journey which include playback hits, reimagined versions of her compositions, and select covers rearranged in ways she has never attempted before. “The idea is to connect with people. For me, I keep asking these questions—if I come to the show, will I be happy? Or is it value for money? These questions push my team and I to give our best.”

For Khatija, a little chant is what she describes as her “pre-performance ritual.” “I ask God to help me connect with the audience, because I still struggle with a fear of the stage, and I’m slowly working my way through it.” 

Behind the scenes, Khatija is also building something different; her own creative ecosystem. Rather than leaning on the legacy of her father, A. R. Rahman, she is forging her own path . “My father has helped me so much; he has always been there, but now it’s my time to learn, unlearn, fail, and try everything on my own terms.”

Khatija’s band features a dynamic mix of musicians: guitarist Chris Jason, keyboardist Bhuvanesh Narayanan, bassist Laxman Arvind, drummer Guberan, and flautist Nikhil Ram.  They are joined by the voices of The Indian Choral Ensemble’s choristers—Aparna Harikumar, Sushmita Narasimhan, Nayansee Sharma, Ananya Bhat, Shridhar Ramesh, Manikandan Chembai, Neeraj MSG and Cyril Simon. The Sunshine Orchestra String Quartet features Vignesh U, Nandhini Anbazhagan, Ebinezer Gnanraj and Deepa S, along with a brass trio comprising Pavithra E, Mohammed Naveeth and Nandhakumar, headed by Lisa Sarasini.

Kathija may seem quiet to the audience, but she has a different roar on stage. For that, a viewing of her performance is essential.

The Garden of Echoes will be held on December 5 at the Museum Theatre, Egmore, from 7pm onwards. Ticket on bookmyshow.com