A symphony orchestra in the making,
matching and surpassing global standards in music.
Sometimes I wonder what makes us behave differently with the underserved. And why don’t we find a common ground to celebrate life. It is mostly true that every worldly possession is a wall to our spiritual freedom. When you shed those meaningfully, we are enlightened with unknown virtues, which is life changing. There are a few things that strike a chord with every single living being on earth, like our innate ability to be kind, loving and compassionate. But, the greatest one of them all - with the power to dissolve boundaries - is music. So this is one such story. I realised that music is one thing that can change lives. This attempt has already changed mine - The Sunshine Orchestra. These kids had no musical backgrounds when we adopted them at quite an early age and in this musical journey of more than 10 years, they have come a long way. They are taught music in the anticipation that one day they will take this mission forward to provide more opportunities and strengthen harmony to many in our society.
Dr. A R Rahman
The A R Rahman foundation was founded by the two-time Academy Award winner Dr. A R Rahman and his late mother Kareema Begum in 2006.
Her spirit of selflessness was the inspiration, with the objective of empowering the youth of the lower sections of the society by providing world class music education.
The foundation aims to create an active global forum, bridging the differences between races, castes, classes and communities.
While promoting music education the foundation has also stood up to its moral responsibility of serving the community. As a part of the other initiatives undertaken by the foundation support is given for financial aid for medical and educational needs of the poor, supporting retired musicians, marriages of women, agriculture, and entrepreneurial goals for the deserving members of the society.
Dr. A R Rahman is a composer, singer-songwriter, producer, musician, director, multi-instrumentalist, philanthropist and a Padma Bhushan awardee. He has won the Oscar, Grammy, BAFTA, Golden Globe, Filmfare and National Film Awards among others, some of them several times over.
The Time magazine has listed him among the world's most influential people. He was appointed the global ambassador of the 'Stop TB Partnership', a WHO project. He also supported the 'Save the Children India' campaign and worked with singer Yusuf Islam on "Indian Ocean", to help orphans of the Banda Aceh Tsunami 2004.
His philanthropic work includes the establishment of the A R Rahman Foundation along with his mother (late) in the year 2006 to empower youngsters by using music as a tool- the key project being The Sunshine Orchestra.
Trained in Hindustani Classical music by Pandit Krishnanandji of the Kirana Gharana, Fathima Rafiq took to music by composing like her father, the renowned R K Shekhar. Having produced a number of voiceovers, commercials and jingles, she also showcased her music for television productions, using her diverse repertoire as a singer, composer and characteristically well defined lyricist. Fathima has also sung as a member of the celebrated Handel Manuel Choir.
As Executive Director of the KM Music Conservatory and in her role as manager of AM Studios, Fathima continues to combine her musical experience with a visionary zeal to fulfil the aspirations of her brother Dr. A R Rahman, the founder and principal of KMMC. As a trustee of the A R Rahman Foundation she handles all day-to-day administrative work.
Khatija Rahman started her philanthropic journey by volunteering at the Adyar Cancer Institute and the Little Flower School for the blind in Chennai. A Stella Maris alumni, this Youth Red Cross volunteer also holds a Masters in Islamic Studies from B.S. Abdur Rahman University. She is constantly engaged with projects enhancing women's empowerment, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Her internship with 'CD Baby' helped discover and support new artists.
She had her multilingual vocal debut for the title song for the movie ‘Enthiran/Robot’. She has also collaborated with the Irish rock band 'U2' on 'Ahimsa'; with Grammy award winning musician Rickey Kej on 'Ilteja' - a plea for a cleaner environment and her recent music single 'Farishton' has gained worldwide recognition at festivals and multiple awards. Currently, as the director and trustee of The A R Rahman Foundation, her work is aligned closely with the day to day running of the foundation, capacity building, women’s empowerment and music research projects.
The foundation aims to create, where appropriate, opportunities in:
To empower opportunities, strengthen harmony and provide sustained intervention in life-skill development through music.
of empowering opportunities
touched with financial aid
with life-skills
Concerts, recordings, videos
English born Lisa grew up learning trombone in the school brass band. She learned to play professionally at the Royal Northern College of music Manchester, graduating with distinction and receiving the Phillip Jones Chamber Music Prize l.
She then continued her studies in Germany at both the Music Conservatory Trossingen and the Conservatory for Performing Arts Mannheim. During her time as a performer, Lisa freelanced with many professional orchestras, such as the BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Orchestra of Opera North, Oulu Sinfonia (Finland) amongst others .
In January 2016, she became the Director of Brass at the Sunshine Orchestra, founding the brass programme, training trumpet French horn, trombone and tuba, and directing the brass ensemble in numerous projects and film recordings. Lisa also heads the woodwinds and percussion departments at the Sunshine. Lisa is an active composer, arranger and orchestrator both for the brass ensemble and full orchestra, alongside her own personal creative projects.
Lisa is passionate about creating music opportunities for children in government schools, recently piloting schemes with both Teach For India and ABRSM, in which our Sunshine students give back to government schools in the form of workshops and invest music resources for the schools.
P Mohan Rao is a violinist and viola player who has worked in the film industry for the major part of his 30 plus years career. He has been with the A R Rahman Foundation for over 5 years now, teaching the new students their first lessons with the string instruments. He has worked with several eminent music directors in many Indian films.
He has travelled the world as a prominent member of the Madras Philharmonic Orchestra, Madras Guitar & Strings Ensemble and The Madras Strings Quartet.
P Bhaskar is an 8th grade violinist (from Trinity Guild Hall, London) who comes with an experience of over 25 years. Having worked with many famous music directors in the Indian film industry, he has also been a part of many orchestras across the country.
As a member of the Symphony Orchestra of India and Violinist at the Madras Chamber orchestra he has performed on stage in India and abroad. Currently, he teaches Violin, Viola and music theory at the A R Rahman Foundation.
John Gayen, a Cellist learned western classical music from the Oxford mission in Kolkata. After he moved to Chennai, he worked as a film musician for over 30 years with many great directors like Illayaraja, Dr. A R Rahman and others.
He has also performed in many music concerts the world over. His contributions to the Madras Philharmonic orchestra under renowned conductor Padmashree Handel Manuel are noteworthy. He has been teaching the cello to the students of the A R Rahman Foundation's The Sunshine Orchestra for the last 10 years.
Bidyut Kayal, is a bassist for the last 40+ years. He has learnt Double Bass and the western classical music from Oxford Mission in Kolkata. He was playing for the Kolkata Chamber Orchestra first and later moved to Chennai to start his career as a cine musician under some of the leading music directors.
He has an experience of almost 35 years in the cine industry. He has been associated with many great music directors of south & north India equally. He has performed at various stage programs with music directors like A R Rahman, Illya Raja and also with many bollywood celebrities both in India and abroad. He is one of the bassists of the Madras Philharmonic Orchestra and Madras Chamber Orchestra.
He is currently a Double Bass instructor with the A R Rahman Foundation and has been a part of it from the initial days of the foundation.
Balaji is a violinist and a full time orchestral student with The Sunshine orchestra senior strings batch. He joined the foundation in the year 2013. He aspires to become an orchestral conductor. He pursued his B.com via correspondence.
As part of the orchestra, they have undertaken many recordings for film scores, songs as well as performances across India and abroad including the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Sunshine Orchestra (Senior Strings Section) is regularly engaged by the Founder, Dr. A R Rahman, for his live concerts, films and other projects.
He is a cellist and a full time orchestral student with The Sunshine orchestra senior strings batch. Cello is his life and teaching is his passion. He aims to teach and educate many kids in his life. He has done his B. com in correspondence
As part of the orchestra, they have undertaken many recordings for film scores, songs as well as performances across India and abroad including the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Sunshine Orchestra (Senior Strings Section) is regularly engaged by the Founder, Dr. A R Rahman, for his live concerts, films and other projects.
Deepa is a cellist and a full time orchestral student with The Sunshine orchestra senior strings batch. She joined the foundation in her 7th grade. Currently, she teaches Cello to the students at Gen. Cariappa School. She now dreams of becoming a world class cellist.
As part of the orchestra, they have undertaken many recordings for film scores, songs as well as performances across India and abroad including the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Sunshine Orchestra (Senior Strings Section) is regularly engaged by the Founder, Dr. A R Rahman, for his live concerts, films and other projects.
Nandhini is a violinist and a full time orchestral student at The Sunshine orchestra senior strings batch. She is with the foundation for the last 10 years and aims to be a mentor for music to many children and make them independent. She is currently pursuing B.com in correspondence.
As part of the orchestra, they have undertaken many recordings for film scores, songs as well as performances across India and abroad including the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Sunshine Orchestra (Senior Strings Section) is regularly engaged by the Founder, Dr. A R Rahman, for his live concerts, films and other projects.
Vaijayanthi is a cellist and a full time orchestral student with The Sunshine orchestra senior strings batch. She has been with the foundation for the last 11 years. She teaches Cello to a few students during weekends and also students in the Gen. Cariappa school.
As part of the orchestra, they have undertaken many recordings for film scores/songs as well as performances across India and abroad including the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Sunshine Orchestra (Senior Strings Section) is regularly engaged by the Founder, Dr. A R Rahman, for his live concerts, films and other projects.
Vignesh Unnirajan is a violinist and a full time orchestral student at The Sunshine orchestra senior strings batch. He joined the foundation when he was in his 7th grade. Now, he is one of our best players in the orchestra. He aspires to become a great soloist that many will remember for long. He is currently pursuing B.com in correspondence.
As part of the orchestra, they have undertaken many recordings for film scores, songs as well as performances across India and abroad including the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Sunshine Orchestra (Senior Strings Section) is regularly engaged by the Founder, Dr. A R Rahman, for his live concerts, films and other projects.
She is a B Tech(EEE), MBA (Marketing & Sales) post graduate with a rich work experience with the corporate in the field of Marketing, Branding & Communication. She was a part time student of music as well at KMMC prior to this job. She has been working with the Foundation ever since the beginning of 2018. Her interest in philanthropic activities and service mindset has always encouraged her to work with the foundation.
With her experience in the field of marketing combined with her knowledge of music, she is currently handling the day-to-day management of the Sunshine Orchestra as well as the Marketing & PR profile for the foundation.
Dr. S Revathi more popularly known by her nom de plume - Kutti Revathi is an Indian lyricist, contemporary Tamil poet, activist and a Siddha doctor. She has published three books of poetry and is the editor of Panikkudam, a literary quarterly for women’s writing and also the first Tamil feminist magazine. She holds a bachelor's degree in Siddha medicine and surgery - one of the oldest medical systems in the world and is currently pursuing her doctoral research in medical anthropology at the Madras Institute of Development Studies in Chennai.
Revathi received the Sigaram 15: Faces of Future award for literature from India Today and was awarded a travel grant in 2005 by the Sahitya Akademi to meet leading litterateurs from India. She is a contemporary Tamil poet and has published numerous controversial poetry collections. She spearheads the A R Rahman Foundation’s Tamil music research project - Karunamirthasagaram.
Susmitha, an alumnus of the University of Madras, is an independent consultant on communication, corporate social responsibility and crisis management. Her work involves identifying and recommending marketing and communication strategies for NGOs and corporates, bridging the two worlds of social and corporate Sectors.
Susmitha is passionate about her pro-bono work for multiple NGOs associated with education, children, women and performing arts. She has a keen interest in classical dance, theatre and children's literature.
Anjani Kumar Sharma is the co-founder and Director of SAGA - Southern Accountability and Governance Alliance Pvt. Ltd, a premier social sector consulting company founded by Dr. Manoj Fogla. He has a decade of experience in the start-up and development sector. He is an advisor to leading startups, incubators, social enterprises, foundations, government bodies, and universities. Anjani has authored various books and papers on subjects like, CSR, laws related to charities in India, taxation and start-ups. He specialises in legal, governance & finance issues related to startups and social enterprises. He is actively engaged in facilitating seminars and workshops in various parts of South Asia and is a visiting faculty to various institutions of national and international repute.
He has been on the board of companies like Tata Power Delhi, Reliance Infrastructure Utility companies amongst others. Anjani is a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Vidhi G Bhanushali, an alumnus of the Mumbai University, has a gratifying career background in strategising and implementation of projects with skillful management of funds.
Being a music enthusiast, and hailing from a family of musicians, she is enrolled at KMMC with the Russian Piano studio, since 2015 and has successfully envisioned & managed the “Hands on Fire” ; a team of pianists from KMMC, to collaborate and perform at the Mecca of Russian Pianism, the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Moscow (Russia) along with several destinations spread across Europe.
With her charismatic and passionate nature combined with her strategizing skills, she is currently managing the Sponsorship & Grant profile for the foundation.
Wesley Crispus is a dedicated woodwind professor with extensive experience in jazz, contemporary, and classical music. With a strong background in modern jazz and freestyle saxophone, Wesley brings a dynamic approach to the Sunshine Orchestra, inspiring young musicians through a blend of technical excellence and creative expression.
Having taught in conservatories and international schools, Wesley has guided students from diverse backgrounds. Known for merging Western jazz techniques with the depth of traditional music education, his teaching emphasizes listening, improvisation, and fostering a deep, intuitive understanding of music. His mission is to empower students through mentorship, building not only their musical skills but also their confidence and discipline.
Rahul Vanamali is a percussionist, arranger, and performer, from Chennai, India. Having been active as a performer for over 15 years, Rahul graduated from KM Music Conservatory with a diploma in Percussion Performance in 2019, before moving to the Schulich School of Music of McGill University in Montréal, Canada, where he received a degree in Classical Percussion Performance in 2022. He specializes in mallet percussion and drum set, and has performed and recorded as a percussionist in a wide variety of musical contexts, from classical percussion in orchestras and contemporary ensembles in Canada, to drumming in progressive rock and jazz bands in Chennai, to playing as a mallet percussionist in the Bollywood industry, to performing as a marimba soloist around Chennai.
Rahul is currently based in Chennai, and is active as a performer, session musician, and educator. Through the Sunshine Orchestra, he is looking forward to growing the Classical percussion scene in Chennai and India, and helping develop a new generation of percussionists.
Angelin Naveena is a dynamic trumpeter, pianist, and music educator with an impressive background in both music and academics. She holds a Diploma in Higher Education in Music from Middlesex University, UK and has achieved Grade 8 in Piano Performance from Trinity College, London. In addition to her musical expertise, she also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, showcasing her diverse skill set.
With over eight years of experience as a trumpeter, Angelin has established herself as a key performer in various orchestras, film scores, and live performances. She has contributed significantly to some of the major film projects, including Ponniyin Selvan, Maamannan, Iravin Nizhal, and more for A R Rahman. She is also an integral member of the Sunshine Orchestra demonstrating her proficiency in both jazz and Western classical music.
Angelin’s musical journey began with the piano, and her deep understanding of the music has allowed her to excel across multiple disciplines. Apart from her contributions to the film industry and orchestras, she serves as the organist at CSI Tamil Wesley Church in St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, further highlighting her versatility as a musician.
Vilhouvotuo Kezo is a student of Kala Academy, Goa. He is a multi instrumentalist and plays Violin and Guitar. He completed his grade 8 in classical guitar. He attended the Europe Violin Master Class in Hungary VI. Mira Festival and Academy. He hails from the Pholami Village, Nagaland, North East India. His areas of focus as an instructor are classical guitar, music theory, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, ukulele, and violin.
As a music instructor, he has worked for clients like Symphony music school, Music Academy Kohima, Doxa Academy, and classical guitar and violin instructor at Furtados School of Music, Mumbai. In 2014, he participated in the 18th National Youth F estival and in 2015 at Dimapur he participated in a classical guitar teacher training worship conducted by Paul Cesarczyk and Avik Saha.
He has been in the music industry for 14 years and has also performed and played with many of the artists from Nagaland. He has done his violin master class in Dubai and took master classes from Aren Longchari, Jory Woch, David Russell, Ogmundur Pur and Johannes son. He has also completed music production courses at Dance mania DJ & Music Production School in Dubai. He is currently the Violin instructor at the Sunshine Nagaland chapter.
Director, Sunshine Strings
Violin
Violin
As an inclusive organisation, the foundation provides equal opportunities to the economically disadvantaged. Through collaborative efforts, the foundation explores innovative ways to achieve its goals. By setting standards in best practices for delivery of its services, the foundation strives to be an inspirational role model. With systems in place to ensure transparency & accountability, the foundation is committed to being proactive, sensitive and responsive.
Our marquee project provides free musical training to socially and economically underserved children with an aptitude in music. Once equipped with the requisite skills, endowed with confidence, they are groomed to explore opportunities and build a career in music, as teachers or as performers.
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This project explores the evolution of Tamil music over the last three thousand years through "Karunamirthasagaram" - a treatise on tamil music written by the prolific researcher Abraham Pandithar. This project takes a journey through the lives of Tamil musical scholars.
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Immediate relief and long term rehabilitaion provided for those affected by cyclone, flood and other natural disasters. Farmers in distress have been provided with cattle and other help. A R Rahman Fan’s club celebrated their idol’s birthday by organising a blood donation camp.
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The Global Arts Center - a collaborative effort of the government, corporates, philanthropists, art lovers and artists is being designed right now. It will host a unique space for art lovers - with performance venues, conference & training spaces, museums, auditoriums, cafes, entertainment zones and art related business ventures.
Provide avenues for The Sunshine Orchestra to perform at your event, whether it is a social gathering, corporate event or concert. Hiring The Sunshine Orchestra is an ideal way to support the development of these talented young musicians as professionals. With repertoire ranging from Western Classical to Indian Film, they are sure to be able to bring musical magic to your special occasion.
EngageYour support would mean the world to us and would help our programs run smoothly. Your contributions are directed towards sponsoring teaching resources, purchase and maintenance of musical instruments, funding our research projects, scholarship for students, humanitarian relief activities etc. All donations are exempted under section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961.
Support 
The Sunshine Orchestra has been generously supported in its endeavours by Harman International Industries, a long term supporter of many KM Music Conservatory projects. The JBL Sound Scholarship was initiated in 2012 to support international faculty to impart the best training available for the students.
The scholarship has supported instrumentalists, conductors and faculty to guide and mentor the development of the students. Recognizing the enormous benefit of international exposure, Harman continues to support the education initiatives of The Sunshine Orchestra.
Understanding the need for a practice space Radio Mirchi has sponsored the construction and maintenance of a practice hall for The Sunshine Orchestra. It was inaugurated by legendary singer P. Susheela.
Radio Mirchi has also supported the brass division of the symphony orchestra by the purchase of instruments. ENIL also sponsors the remuneration to the senior faculty of strings ensemble.
The practice hall was also renovated after the devastation caused by the Vardha Cyclone in 2016.
Avanse Financial Services, a Non-Banking Financial Company based out of Mumbai, provides tailor made educational loans to aspiring students and educational institutions across the globe. This grant from Avanse will allow the young musicians of the Sunshine Orchestra to continue on their musical journey, developing as professional musicians as they train with us for the year 2019-2020.
Avanse with an exceptional track record in changing the lives of thousands of students will no doubt help our students achieve their maximum potential and aspire for greatness without boundaries.
