The name of Slumdog Millionaire composer A. R. Rahman has been sweeping the nation since he won the Oscar for Best Song and Best Original Score at the 81st Annual Academy Awards Feb. 22.
Yet while many people are abuzz about the Oscar-winning song "Jai Ho," few are as excited as the members of Miami University's Collegiate Chorale and its director Ethan Sperry.
The chorale has worked closely with Rahman over the past seven years and is preparing to perform "Jai Ho" at its spring concert at 8 p.m. April 24 and 25 in Kumler Chapel.
Senior Michael Bednarczuk, president of Collegiate Chorale, said the group adopted one of Rahman's songs, "Chale Chalo" as its signature alumni piece.
Sperry said he has a growing relationship with Rahman.
"I am friends with the composer," Sperry said. "We have toured with him several times since 2003."
Sperry said watching his friend win his first two Oscars was amazing.
"It's just so cool to actually know him," Sperry said.
While Sperry enjoys music from other Indian composers, he said feels "Rahman's music stands miles above the rest."
"'Jai Ho' is a great song," Sperry said. "It's a collision of Indian, Western rock and rap … there's nothing subtle about the fusion."
Bednarczuk said Rahman's songs make up just one part of the group's global rhythms repertoire, which also includes music from the Mediterranean, Haiti and Africa.
Sperry said he is excited to use "Jai Ho" in the chorale's spring concert. Sperry said he has adapted the song for the chorale by adding vocal parts to take over each of the instrumental parts except percussion.
Although the recent awards were Rahman's first American Oscars, Sperry said Rahman's work has been greatly recognized in India for years. Sperry said Rahman has sold more than 100 million albums and has written over 100 film scores, including the music from the 2005 film Water.
Senior Kiernan Sedam said she has worked with Rahman for three Collegiate Chorale concerts.
"It was nice to see him finally be recognized for his work in the U.S.," Sedam said.
Bednarczuk, who has worked with Rahman since summer 2006 when he performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, said he and the other members of Chorale enjoy singing Rahman's music.
"Our enjoyment is contagious to our audience," he said.
Bednarczuk said singing Rahman's music is different from singing American pieces.
"Performing the Indian music is a very full-body experience," Bednarczuk said. "We are encouraged to express the music through dance."
Bednarczuk said Rahman declines to sing for the group because he would rather have the chorale perform his music.
"He is very modest," Bednarczuk said.
Sedam agreed.
"He cares more about people hearing the song than being in the spotlight," Sedam said.
