Shiraz: A Romance of India
Silent film with live score
‘A startlingly ambitious epic’ – The Guardian
Trailblazing pianist Utsav Lal makes his Stoller Hall debut improvising a new score to this ravishing, romantic tale about the building of the Taj Mahal.
Based on the romance between 17th-century Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and his queen, this epic silent film is the captivating story behind the creation of one of the architectural wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Shot entirely on location in India, with an all-Indian cast, it features lavish costumes and gorgeous settings.
Utsav Lal has established an international reputation for his performance of Indian ragas on the piano. Choosing to perform on an instrument that has traditionally been considered unsuitable for Hindustani classical music, Utsav’s innovative handling of a raga blends his diverse musical influences and has left listeners spellbound. Utsav has performed at leading classical concert venues worldwide, including The Kennedy Centre, Carnegie Hall, Southbank Centre and The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.