A captivating combination of orchestral music, poetry and visual art, exploring humanity and our place in the universe
Orbiting Orbital brought together the musical talents of Nitin Sawhney, the poetry of Samantha Harvey and the visual artwork of Antony Gormley in a multidisciplinary performance exploring humanity, identity and our relationship with the planet. Inspired by Harvey’s novel Orbital, the production combined live orchestral music, vocals, spoken word and striking imagery to create an immersive experience. Structured around two contrasting acts, Night and Day, it offered a varied programme that moved between atmospheric, reflective pieces and more uplifting, energetic compositions.
The performance was split into two acts, titled Night and Day, each offering a distinct atmosphere. While the first half was beautiful, I found the second act considerably more compelling. Its energy was far more uplifting and upbeat, creating a real sense of momentum. A particular highlight was Aref Durvesh on tabla and dholak, whose playing brought an infectious rhythm and vibrancy to the music. Both YVA and Shapla Salique also delivered incredible vocals, adding real depth and emotion to the pieces.
One of my favourite moments was Immigrant, which opened with a recording of Nitin Sawhney’s father speaking. It was a particularly moving and personal touch, giving the piece an additional layer of meaning and making it stand out within an already varied programme. It was moments like this that demonstrated how music can tell deeply personal stories while connecting them to much broader themes of identity, belonging and humanity.
The poetry and spoken-word elements were equally compelling. Samantha Harvey’s writing complemented the music beautifully, adding another dimension to the experience without overwhelming it. It was particularly special to have Harvey herself deliver the final piece, bringing the evening to a fitting and memorable conclusion. Her contribution helped tie together the different artistic elements and gave the performance a real sense of purpose.
The visual imagery was another highlight. Selected pieces featuring Antony Gormley’s artwork accompanied some of the musical performances, and they felt incredibly fitting. Rather than simply providing a backdrop, the images enhanced the atmosphere and helped bring the wider themes of the production to life. Fantasia Orchestra were also fantastic throughout, maintaining the audience’s engagement and providing a rich musical foundation for the different elements to come together.
The pacing was generally good, although I did find the first half slightly slower than the second. The Night section took a little longer to draw me in, whereas Day felt more immediate and energetic. However, the contrast between the two was an important part of the overall experience, and the change in mood made the second act all the more rewarding.
Orbiting Orbital was a genuinely special experience, bringing together several different art forms to create something that felt both intimate and expansive. It was engaging, thought provoking and, at times, incredibly moving. The combination of Sawhney’s music, Harvey’s words and the accompanying imagery made for a performance that stayed with me beyond the final note.
A wonderful celebration of music, creativity and humanity, and a real showcase of what can be achieved when different artistic disciplines come together.
Nitin Sawhney: Orbiting Orbital was performed at the Schwarzman Centre for Humanities on 6-7 November 2026.