A.R. Rahman Appointed Honorary President of London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire

Two-time Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has been appointed honorary president of Trinity Laban, the United Kingdom’s leading conservatoire for music, musical theater, and contemporary dance.

His appointment, which is for a five-year term, follows in the footsteps of previous honorary presidents, including conductor Charles Mackerras and violinist Yehudi Menuhin.

This prestigious role further strengthens the longstanding collaboration between Trinity Laban and Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory (KMMC) in Chennai, India, which has lasted for 15 years. The appointment also highlights Trinity Laban’s 125-year history of fostering music education in India.

Rahman, renowned for his work on iconic films such as Slumdog Millionaire (for which he won two Academy Awards, two Grammys, and a BAFTA), and Ponniyin Selvan, is a celebrated figure in global music. He also created Bombay Dreams with Andrew Lloyd Webber and contributed to the Lord of the Rings musical. Rahman’s recent achievements include his seventh Indian National Film Award for Ponniyin Selvan.

On accepting the position, Rahman expressed his honor, stating, “It is a great honor and privilege for me to accept the role. During my visit to Trinity Laban in 2023, I recognized the institution’s deep drive to nurture the best of art for the world.” He added, “We live in an age where music, dance, and technology combined are primed to explore the vastness of human expression. I am glad that the creative relationships between the U.K. and India can continue to be strengthened.”

As part of his new role, Rahman is helping to formalize the partnership between Trinity Laban and KMMC, allowing students to split their studies between Chennai and London. He is also working with the conservatoire to explore the addition of musical theater to its curriculum—a subject Rahman has recently been focusing on, especially after his masterclass at the International Film Festival of India in Goa.

Trinity Laban’s Principal, Anthony Bowne, praised Rahman, stating that he “embodies the ethos of innovation, engagement, and excellence that we strive to achieve at Trinity Laban.” Artistic Director Aleksander Szram echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of embracing talent from around the world in shaping an outstanding performing arts education.

The conservatoire will celebrate Rahman’s appointment with an Indian music event at Blackheath Halls on March 7, 2025, where students will perform his work.

Beyond his film scores, Rahman composed for the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony and collaborated with international artists such as U2, Mick Jagger’s SuperHeavy, and Michael Bolton. Rahman is currently developing Slumdog Millionaire: The Musical and has ventured into directing with Le Musk and producing with 99 Songs.

Trinity Laban also supports Rahman’s Sunshine Orchestra, which provides music education to underprivileged children, and has expanded its International Academies program to offer masterclasses and recitals across India.