Sonu Niigaam (as he prefers his name to be spelt) is to be part of a world's first.

In a first of its kind recording, the city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, an elite 80 member outfit, has joined with India's leading vocalist, Sonu Niigaam, to create a unique first of its kind album, Rafi Resurrected.

The album was spawned from a discussion over two years ago between composer / arranger for the Orchestra, Tim Pottier, and an Indian friend. As a result, Tim became interested in Indian film music, particularly Mohammad Rafi. Over the course of the next year, in an effort to find material that could be played by a symphony orchestra, Pottier listened to dozens of Rafi songs. In the end, he chose the 18 songs that appear on the album, these were performed at a show in Birmingham early April, last year.

The CBSO then approached Saregama with the vision of releasing an album. The company took the concept a step further. To bring a special magic to the album, they requested the one person who does the best rendition of Mohammad Rafi and considers him to be his 'spiritual Guru', - Sonu Niigaam, who seems to have a karmic connection with 'His' Rafi Saab.

The CBSO parts were recorded in Birmingham and from April 18 at Empire Studios, the results of that will be dub by Sonu in Mumbai.

Sonu is as enthusiastic about the project as Saregama, although he has refused to cover songs by Mohammad Rafi on several occasions. "I share Saregama's vision of taking Indian music to a higher platform through endeavours like this," says Sonu. "It is time due recognition was given to Rafi Saab who is like my unseen father in the Heavens and whom I revere like a son does."

Rafi Resurrected is an 18 song musical feast that bring for the first time a symphonic interpretation of Indian film music.

The songs include such treasures as: Yaad Na Jaaye Beete Dinon Ki from Dil Ek Mandir. The ever popular Tareef Karoo Kya Uski from Kashmir Ki Kali, Pathar Ke Sanam from the film of the same name,as well as the absolutely brilliant Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho from the film Hanste Zakhm.