West End star Nadim Naaman and Qatar-based composer Dana Al Fardan have revealed plans for the release of a concept album for their second stage musical.
Featuring Naaman and fellow Phantom of the Opera star Ramin Karimloo, the full-length concept album for Rumi: The Musical has been recorded during the pandemic in London and Doha.
Following on from Naaman and Al Fardan’s successful debut musical Broken Wings which was based on Lebanese-born writer Kahlil Gibran’s autobiographical poetic novel, Rumi: The Musical takes its inspiration from the life of another influential figure – 13th century Persian poet Rumi.
Commenting on the project Naaman said: “Nearly three years after writing the first song, we are excited to share Rumi with the world. The journey has not been what we anticipated, but I am most proud that we have created and recorded this piece in spite of the adversity of Covid-19, working remotely across continents.
“The show’s integral themes of personal discovery, reflection and the pursuit of fulfilment have been lived and breathed worldwide due to the pandemic, and the messaging of this piece is perhaps even enhanced as a result. We thank our entire team and magnificent cast for their support, patience and enthusiasm along the way.”
Co-creator Al Fardan added: “Writing Rumi has been the ultimate journey in unravelling components that are socially constructed from those that form our own personal truth and consciousness. In light of our shared experience this year, with the world falling into disarray, it has been an incredibly powerful and uplifting experience to retreat to that place and discover the abundant creative force that it offers. I am confident that we have created a framework that will offer the audience the chance to tap into that place on some level.”
Featuring a book by Naaman and music and lyrics by Naaman and Al Fardan, Rumi: The Musical focuses on the relationship between Rumi and his mentor Shams Tabrizi.
Due for release on all major digital platforms soon, the album features a cast of West End performers of Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian heritage accompanied by The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
Led by Naaman as Rumi and Karimloo as Tabrizi, the album cast is made up of Casey Al-Shaqsy, Soophia Foroughi, Sharif Afifi, Ahmed Hamad, Irvine Iqbal, Alim Jayda, Roshani Abbey, Amira Al Shanti, Eva-Theresa Chokarian, Maëva Feitelson, Sasha Ghoshal, James Hameed, Blythe Jandoo and Aliza Vakil.
Angela Thomas
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