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On Sunday (28 October), the multi-faceted Nitin Sawhney will join a band of Indian musicians and The Northern Sinfonia orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall for a performance of his acclaimed soundtrack to the stunning silent film A Throw of Dice (1929).

A Throw of Dice (1929)

Franz Osten’s classic Bollywood movie tells the story of two kings who are in love with the same woman. Indulging his passion for gambling, the good king ultimately loses his kingdom and his fiancé to the evil king.

The film is almost 80 years old. But when Sawnhey first watched it a couple of years ago, he was inspired to compose a unique film score.

"I really like old Bollywood movies but this had something very special about it," he explained. "It really felt very cool and very different to stuff I’d seen before. It’s also got incredible scenery, it’s got a massive cast - there are elephants and tigers, and all kinds of stuff in there – so it’s a very exotic looking film."

He added: "What’s great about it is that it’s a very human and very simple story to grasp so it has a real mythical quality. It’s the sort of thing you can bring your kids to, it’s a real family evening. But what’s fantastic is that you get to see a great orchestra performing live with a very beautiful old film and I think there’s something quite romantic about it and quite moving and emotional about that experience."

Versatile

Sawhney’s musical ability to transcend cultural barriers is well documented and composing a hugely successful film score further establishes his reputation as one of the most versatile and creative forces alive today.

Sawnhey himself will be playing the piano and the celeste in the performance at the Bridgewater Hall on Sunday (28 Oct).Ìý

If the reaction of audiences around the world is anything to go by, A Throw of Dice promises to be a hugely popular and unique event. Previous performances have all been met with standing ovations. So expect great things.