Vivek Haria is a British composer of Indian heritage, whose music blends traditional and contemporary elements to create a unique sound world. Vivek discovered composition while at university, and at the core of his work is a deep connection to choral music. His artistic voice is shaped by an ongoing dialogue between Western and Indian classical traditions and he loves to write music that encourages performers to engage with new sonic and interpretative possibilities. You can read more about Vivek and and his music on our website here.

Vivek's new songs, inspired by the rivers Swale and Ure, will be performed by soprano Margaret Lingas and pianist Christopher Glynn at the 2026 Swaledale Festival. The programme of music old and new, flowing through the centuries, also features works by Benjamin Britten and – with renowned lutenist and Dales resident Jacob Heringman – songs by the Renaissance composer John Dowland.

Vivek says: 'Stepping into Swaledale for the first time was a grounding experience. Within minutes of arriving – the rushing of the rivers, the sudden quietness, the way the light settles differently on the hills – I felt something shift. Most of my life is spent in urban rhythm with a different kind of noise and pace, and suddenly I was somewhere that breathed at its own tempo. You can’t help but slow down when the landscape insists on stillness. This commission from the Royal Philharmonic Society and Swaledale Festival is an honour in itself, but it feels especially meaningful because it’s my first time creating a piece so closely rooted in a specific place. Usually, when I begin something new, I’m looking inward – chasing a feeling, a memory, or a sound world. Here, the starting point was entirely external. It was the Dales themselves. During my visit, I felt the landscape suggesting its own musical shapes: long, unbroken lines; sudden bursts of movement and colour; pockets of stillness – often sitting next to each other in unexpected juxtapositions. Those impressions have stayed with me, forming an inner map which I keep returning to.'

You can read Vivek's recount of how a visiting Swaledale inspired him here on the Swaledale Festival website.

And hear Vivek in conversation with Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason ahead of his premiere as he shares insights into his creative process, the influence of the Dales and its rivers, and the journey from first idea to performance, 2-3pm on Thursday 4 June at St Andrew's Church, Aysgarth. Find out more here.

Vivek is one of eight individuals we are supporting on the 2026 RPS Composers programme, giving each a commission and premiere with a noted ensemble, festival or venue, as well as a year of professional development which gives them the chance to meet industry experts and professional composers, furthering their confidence and skills to seek further commissions and premieres of their own. Vivek's commission is supported by the Susan Bradshaw Composers' Fund, and we're grateful to RPS Members and a range of trusts and foundations whose generous support makes the RPS Composers programme possible.

You can find out more about RPS Membership and how you can help us support talented musicians like Vivek here.

Vivek is writing for Swaledale Festival. Click the button below to visit their website and book your tickets for the performances.