Music can cut through barriers of language, religion and nationality. In a testament to its uniting force, the Symphony Orchestra of India's spring season this year will feature Ustad Zakir Hussain's piece, Ameen, Amen, Shanti on February 25.

The tabla maestro will share the stage with famed vocalists Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan and mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, all led by SOI conductor Zane Dalal. "I have had a relationship of over 30 years with Shankar bhai and Hariharan bhai. They are loving and special. Also, hats off to Kelley o' Connor; she comes from a Western classical background, but was spot on during the rehearsals. She understood what everyone was doing and her role in the piece. It has been my great fortune to work with these artistes who understand the musical world so well," said Hussain, in an email interview.