A. R. Rahman is an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and philanthropist, known for redefining contemporary Indian film music, and putting Indian music on the global map, in a way that no other Indian composer/performer has achieved.

On October 24, 2014, Berklee College of Music conferred A. R. Rahman with an honorary doctor of music degree. Berklee faculty and students paid tribute to the living legend, who joined them on select pieces in a concert celebrating his music and life at Boston's Symphony Hall.

Mr. Rahman's visit was a signature event under Berklee India Exchange, a new initiative co-founded by two Indian Berklee alums, Annette Philip (artistic director), and Clint Valladares (artist relations and strategy), as a platform for cultural conversation, through the composition, collaboration, and performance of original Indian music. Proceeds from the concert went towards a scholarship fund in Mr. Rahman's name for students from India to attend Berklee.


Berklee Indian Ensemble and Berklee World Strings
with special guest, A.R. Rahman

'Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera' (A.R. Rahman)
From the film Swades


Annette Philip: Arranger/Producer, Director - Berklee Indian Ensemble
Eugene Friesen: Conductor, Director - Berklee World Strings
Matthew Nicholl: String arrangements, Chair - Contemporary Writing and Pr.