Titled Between the Raags, the concert brings together the expressive depth of Indian classical music with the scale and richness of the Western orchestra, led by internationally celebrated sitarist and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun.
The performance marks the second concert in Fantasia Orchestra’s inaugural four-date residency at the Westminster venue.
It follows the season’s opening night in November featuring soprano Elizabeth Watts and special guest Braimah Kanneh-Mason, as well as a sold-out February performance at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall with saxophonist Jess Gillam.
At the heart of the programme is Terry Riley’s iconic minimalist work In C, a piece long influenced by Indian classical structures.
In this performance, the work is reimagined with sitar, tabla, and full orchestra, drawing out the deep rhythmic and philosophical connections between minimalist composition and Indian musical traditions.
The evening also features a unique reinterpretation of Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Tristes Apprêts, where the sitar takes the melodic lead in the celebrated French Baroque aria.
This unexpected pairing brings a new lyrical perspective to the piece, transforming the familiar into something entirely fresh.
Alongside works by Rameau and Philip Glass, Degun will perform several of his own compositions, including:
In Search of Redemption
Rageshri
A movement from Arya (Sitar Concerto)
These works blend lyrical melodies, intricate rhythms, and contemporary orchestral textures, creating a programme that moves fluidly between cultures and musical traditions.
Led by founder and conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh, Fantasia Orchestra continues to build on the momentum of its BBC Proms debut in 2024, developing a reputation for imaginative programming and bold collaborations.
Each concert in the orchestra’s 2025–26 season is carefully curated around a featured soloist, offering audiences an eclectic journey through genres and eras.
“Fantasia’s 2025–26 season is all about the kind of programming we’ve always dreamed of.. multi genre, boundary pushing, and collaborative,”
says Artistic Director Tom Fetherstonhaugh.
“Each concert is bespoke, shaped by the music our guest artists truly love. It’s a thrilling season of artistic exploration.”
Executive Director Michael Garvey adds that the orchestra’s approach avoids formulas, instead crafting each performance from the ground up.
“Every project is unique. We build each concert specifically for the artists involved and the music we want to share. As we step into full artistic independence, audiences will see that reflected in the ambition and diversity of what we create next.”
The concert with Jasdeep Singh Degun is the second in Fantasia Orchestra’s four-concert residency at Smith Square Hall, with additional performances scheduled for:
May 29 with pianist Steven Osborne
July 3 with mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan
Together, the series highlights the orchestra’s commitment to adventurous repertoire, cross-cultural dialogue, and innovative collaborations.
Full details about Fantasia Orchestra’s 2025–26 season, including upcoming projects and tickets, are available at fantasiaorchestra.com and via the orchestra’s social media channels.
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