From tradition to inclusion: how Bradford Festival Choral Society is reimagining its repertoire

What was involved in working with Reena Esmail’s music, particularly incorporating sitar, tabla and South Asian musical traditions into a choral setting?

Esmail provides very clear notes and a range of resources to assist classical choirs, and their conductors, in the rehearsal and performance process and these were absolutely invaluable. Our Musical Director, Thomas Leech, spent many hours preparing, and liaising with the sitar and tabla players in advance. Indian classical music (a term covering many different traditions) is hugely complex, but also has a very different rehearsal process to the routine familiar to amateur choirs working with orchestras (put it all together on the day!), so communication and preparation were key. Tom had to prepare our own rehearsal process so that the choir were instantly engaged with the various languages and rhythms, rather than terrified!

The performance featured a full cast of soloists of South Asian heritage. Why was this important, and what impact did it have?

First and foremost, we were booking musicians on the basis of their musical abilities, but of course authentic connection to the musical traditions that form the heart of This Love Between Us was vitally important. While the singers were all of south Asian heritage, not all of them had studied Indian classical music - and for Kirtan (sitar) and MJ (tabla) it was a first experience of a large-scale Western classical choral and orchestral concert. The musical impact, and even authentic elements like the soloists’ use of traditional dress, created a deeper engagement with the music and texts - a sense of togetherness and belonging despite different traditions, faiths and cultures.  It felt truly collaborative, educated and stretched all of us, and hopefully we can do it again!

Can you tell us more about the Come and Sing workshop and Q&A?

Alongside the performance, we held a Come and Sing workshop that included a live online Q&A with Reena Esmail and a workshop on Indian classical singing with Sohini Kaur. Participants were introduced to singing in the Carnatic tradition, explored how Esmail adapts this and other Indian traditions for Western choirs, and were able to ask questions directly about her compositional process.

For many singers - both BFCS members and visitors - this was transformative. It demystified unfamiliar musical concepts and reinforced the idea that diverse repertoire becomes accessible when context and dialogue are provided. The workshop also empowered singers to advocate this music within their own ensembles.

Participants also heard directly from Reena about how her own heritage and musical background informs the work, helping singers understand the piece not just as a technical challenge, but as an artistic response to questions of belonging and unity.

What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

The main challenges were practical and educational: learning unfamiliar musical systems, balancing rehearsal time, and ensuring the choir felt supported rather than overwhelmed. As a committee and musical team, we addressed this by planning well in advance, building in learning opportunities, and maintaining open communication. In particular, really understanding the needs of the sitar and tabla players was a crucial musical ingredient.

Crucially, this was a shared commitment. Trustees, our musical team, and singers all understood why the project mattered, which helped sustain momentum when the going was tough.

What impact has this work had since the project took place?

The project has had a lasting effect on our confidence and ambition as a choir. Members are now more open to unfamiliar repertoire and more curious about the cultural contexts behind the music they sing. Audiences, too, have come to expect programmes that surprise and challenge alongside the familiar.

It has also strengthened our sense of purpose as a civic organisation: using music not only for artistic excellence, but as a way of fostering understanding and connection across communities.