With the Brighton Festival kicking off tomorrow with the children’s parade, we take a look at the contemporary music events on offer, as curated by Guest Director, the Grammy-nominated and genre-defying musician, composer and activist Anoushka Shankar.
Anoushka Shankar will perform her brand-new album Chapter III: We Return to Light for the first time in the UK in Brighton Dome Concert Hall. With 30 years’ performing and eleven Grammy nominations, Shankar has spent her career redefining conventions in the sitar and in world music. This performance marks the culmination of her recent trilogy of mini-albums; following Chapter I: Forever, For Now and Chapter II: How Dark it is Before Dawn, it completes the cycle, looking towards a new dawn – a time of strength, wisdom and change. The event is supported by major supporter the Bagri Foundation.
The Grammy-award winning Pakistani-American vocalist, Arooj Aftab also graces the Concert Hall stage. Renowned for her mesmerising live performances and defiance of genre boundaries, she has earned worldwide acclaim, including a Grammy for ‘Best Global Music Performance’. Supported by Graves Son & Pilcher, her latest album Night Reign garnered a five-star review from the Guardian, and appeared on many Best of 2024 lists.
Mercury Prize-nominated singer songwriter Nadine Shah brings her hypnotic vocals and raw, emotional power to Brighton Festival. Fresh from her acclaimed fifth album Filthy Underneath (2024) and tours with Depeche Mode and Young Fathers, she is one of the most compelling songwriters in the UK today, tackling themes of mental health, addiction and social justice.
Supported by Graves Son & Pilcher, ground-breaking electronic artist Max Cooper brings his most ambitious show yet to the Concert Hall: an immersive experience of luminous sculptures created with projections, lights and lasers accompanying his legendary ambient and beat-driven soundscapes. Over the course of the last two years, Cooper has been collecting anonymous quotes from members of the public in response to questions such as “What would you like to express which you cannot in everyday life?” The result is his latest album, On Being, which explores what it’s like to be a human, today.
Aruna Sairam is an icon within the Indian classical tradition; for one night only she performs alongside New York-born, South India-raised rising star and leading light from the new generation, Ganavya. Described by the Wall Street Journal as “one of modern music’s most compelling vocalists,” Ganavya melds traditional sounds with spiritual jazz to create an otherworldly, transcendent experience. Supported by the Bagri Foundation.
Senegalese star Seckou Keita, virtuoso of the 22-string kora, convenes an all-star line-up of fellow countryfolk to perform his latest release Homeland: Chapter 1, exploring identity and belonging, in native lands and as migrants. It will be a vibrant celebration of music and togetherness.
Ned Archibong of QM Records curates a special edition of MOVES Festival at The Old Market, an all-day celebration of diverse female talent with incredible acts including Harleighblu and Brighton rising star Kymara, plus more to be announced.
Local cultural hub The Rose Hill will host a series of ‘Mehfils’ – small, intimate gatherings to experience South Asian classical music – throughout the day and night, featuring more than 20 artists who will play both traditional music and genre defying new creations.
Late-night parties include British-Pakistani, London-based DJ and producer Ahadadream’s opening party at The Old Market. His trademark percussive energy has filled dancefloors from Fabric to DC10 and beyond and he has produced music with such star DJs as Skrillex, Four Tet and Jamie XX.
And to end the Festival, Shiva Soundsystem’s founder Nerm welcomes his friends and top secret star guests to the decks for a super special closing party for Brighton Festival 2025.
Brighton Festival takes place from 3-26 May 2025.
For more information and to buy tickets click here.
Anoushka Shankar photo credit: Laura Lewis
Max Cooper photo credit: Alex Kozobolis
