Sacred Music

The Celebration Choir, was formed in 2014. The choir is lead by Colin Williams a renowned and popular UK-based gospel singer, song-writer, director and backing vocalist, who has, amongst other roles in the gospel music genre, lead the former United Voices Concert Choir (UVCC) and United Voices Youth Chorale (UVYC). The Celebration Choir includes a wealth of talented and anointed singers from across the Yorkshire and Pennine regions. The Celebration Choir sing at church praise events, concerts, cultural events, weddings and other settings. The aim, as they sing is to celebrate music as they celebrate Christ.

The Al-Mustafa Nasheed Choir, composed of young students aged 6 to 11, delights in the art of Nasheed singing. At the Al-Mustafa Centre in Bradford, over 500 children gather weekly, not only for Islamic studies but also to engage in poetry, recitals, and a variety of enriching activities.

Poulomi Chakraborty is a renowned performer in Hindustani Classical and semi classical vocals including Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan. She began her training at the age of seven from Smt Jogmaya Banerjee and Shri Kiran Kumar Mitra, and had the support from her family and friends and the eminent Gurus like late Smt Sipra Bose, Smt Vijaya Jadav, Shri Chinaya Ookiya. In her career, Poulomi has performed for All India Radio in Mumbai and in different places in Kolkata. She has performed all over the UK on behalf of Sampad, Aston, Midland Bengali Association, Peepul Centre in Leicester, Leeds on behalf of SAA-uk, Purobi Bangladeshi Association Leeds, Bradford on behalf of Aaloron and Kalasangam, and Halifax. Now she is Leeds based performer and tutor, working with renowned artists like Pt. Sanju Sahai, Nilima Devi, Bhupinder Singh Chaggar, Ustad Shahbaz Hussain.

Claire is a mezzo soprano originally from County Durham and now resident in Yorkshire. She is an experienced choral singer and soloist and recently carried out her first piece of film work here in Bradford. Singing in two Leeds-based choirs is her passion, and for the past two years Claire has also been re-acquainting herself with her favourite nursery rhymes for the benefit of her little son, Ben. She is thrilled to return to the literature festival to contribute some unaccompanied singing in the inspiring setting of Bradford Cathedral.

Abdullah Haqani (known as Brother Abdullah) is an Award Winning nasheed artist who created a fusion of nasheeds and sufi music with his own contemporary touch. He’s also a TV host/ presenter who invented one of the most watched Islamic shows called Nasheeds Unplugged. His Youtube channel and Facebook has had over millions of views. He is a renowned Islamic rapper who has taught and trained many people around the world and set many trends. Some of the countries he’s travelled to for both performing and training include Morroco, Jordan, Trinidad & Tobago, Pakistan, Canada, Norway, and France. Acknowledged for his dedication and commitment to Youth Classes, as well as for mentoring and training individuals, he has won an Award from the Muhammadiya Trust. He’s participated in several charity events such as the Open Call Festival, Charity Dinners and several Fundraising Events. He’s completed the AK Foundation tour and worked with charities such as Penny Appeal, Help Mankind, Muslim Aid, Al Fatiha, SKT and Islamic Relief.

Terri is a powerful singer, bandleader, songwriter, and producer. She delivers a bluesy fusion of deep soul, jazz, funk, rare-groove, and reggae, with a tone ranging from gutsy and raw to lilting and lush. Influenced by legends like Aretha Franklin and Etta James, her style is uniquely her own.

Terri has collaborated with prestigious musicians such as jazz and funk guitar legend Jim Mullen, Grammy award-winning singer Barbara Tucker, and hip-hop artist MC Undakova. She has also worked with award-winning reggae producers Mafia and Fluxy and performed jazz in Harlem.

Recently, Terri has been in the studio finishing her second album but is now back on the road with new tour dates. Her first album, Sweet Thing, is now available on vinyl through Shed Load Records. Blues and Soul praised Sweet Thing, highlighting her vocal prowess and deep understanding of jazz, blues, soul, and funk.

Eeshar Singh is an Indian Classical musician, composer and performer. He is one of a few players of the Santoor, a rare instrument that produces a beautifully raw, resonant sound and one that he likens to his own spiritual practice and connection to the earth. Eeshar is a senior disciple of Ustad Harjinderpal Singh Ji, a master musician and disciple of the Late Pt Shivkumar Sharma. Eeshar’s approach to his music practice is largely centred around his love for telling stories and crafting narratives. His authentic and unique approach to composition combines traditional Indian classical techniques with the contemporary, transcending genre and breaking down cultural boundaries. Alongside performing, producing and teaching Eeshar is the composer behind the The Suraj Podcast X. He is currently studying his MSc in Audio and Music Technology at the University of York, conducting research in immersive digital audio.