Vivek Haria

Vivek is one of eight composers selected for a place on the 2026 RPS Composers programme. This will culminate in him writing a new piece, commissioned by the RPS, for Swaledale Festival.

On this page, Vivek introduces himself in his own words, and shares links to his music, his website, and his social media platforms. We warmly invite programmers and commissioners to take a closer look at Vivek's work, and please be in touch with us if you would like to connect with him.

About Vivek

'I am a British composer of Indian heritage based in London, with a background in singing. My real journey into composition began at university, where I discovered a deep love for writing for voices – a passion that has kept choral music at the heart of my work. Increasingly, I have been exploring how my Western classical training and Indian musical heritage can converse in fresh and meaningful ways.

My music often engages with themes of identity, memory, and belonging. Growing up surrounded by Jain devotional music, I have found those sounds and traditions steadily weaving themselves into my compositions. I am fascinated by how music can create spaces for reflection and connection while remaining grounded in performance, voice, and community.

In recent years, I have had the privilege of developing these ideas with leading ensembles including the BBC Singers and members of the London Symphony Orchestra. I particularly enjoy inviting performers to experiment with colour, microtonality, and rhythm – in ways that challenge but (I hope!) also reward.

Alongside composing, I remain an active choral singer. For me, music is ultimately a way to bridge worlds cultural, musical, and personal.'

Highlights

  • Vivek was commissioned by The Marian Consort, in partnership with Choir & Organ Magazine, as part of their New Music Series 2024.
  • In 2023, Vivek was appointed to the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s inaugural NewGen Board.
  • Between 2022 and 2024, Vivek was an Associate of the London Symphony Orchestra's Soundhub scheme, during which his wind trio Ennui was performed at one of their Friday Lunchtime Concerts.
  • Vivek’s work Dhyāna received its premiere in 2022 by Mahan Esfahani and Fenella Humphreys at the Cheltenham Composer Academy. The same work was later a finalist in the 2023 Prix Annelie de Man Composition Competition.

Find out more

If you are interested in finding out more about Vivek, hearing and and keeping up to date with his work, take a look at his website and social media below:

The RPS Composers programme could not happen without the support of RPS Members, PRS Foundation Talent Development Network supported by PPL, Delius Trust, Fidelio Charitable Trust, Garrick Charitable Trust, Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, Idlewild Trust, John Ellerman Foundation, Marchus Trust, Presteigne Festival, Radcliffe Trust, RPS Susan Bradshaw Composers' Fund, RPS Thea Musgrave Fund, Vaughan Williams Foundation, and several anonymous donors.