Sufi singer and composer Abida Parveen returned to the Manchester International Festival (MIF) six years after her debut. Abida Parveen was back this time for a unique collaboration with a legend of South Asian classical dance, Nahid Siddiqui, at the Lowery Theatre, which took place on Friday. An already sold-out event was the talk of the town since the release of its poster as the Sufi legend’s last performance in Manchester was in 2013. Audiences in the United Kingdom once again had a chance to witness the magic that she invokes onstage, encapsulated in what was one of the most emotive music performance of 2019. She said, ‘Music should rise from the heart and go straight to the soul’ Audiences in the United Kingdom once again had a chance to witness the magic that she invokes onstage, encapsulated in what was one of the most emotive music performance of 2019. She said, “Music should rise from the heart and go straight to the soul.” On the other hand, MIF Artistic Director & Chief Executive John McGrath said, “At MIF ’19, we see a whole host of artists looking to the future – some with hope, some with imagination, and some with concern. We never impose themes on the artists we work with but it’s striking how this year’s programme reflects our complicated times in often surprisingly joyous and unexpected ways. Featuring artists from more than 20 countries, the festival also has strong local roots, with several commissions featuring the people of Manchester as participants. MIF ’19 will be a feast of energy, which I hope will inspire debate and delight for the festival’s 18 days and far beyond.” The MIF returned this week, bringing globally-renowned acts to perform in various spaces throughout the city. An array of internationally-acclaimed dancers and choreographers will be among the artists premiering their work across the 18-day festival, which runs from July 4-21.