Downfall of Patiala Gharana explored

The disinterest of the younger generation and limited opportunities brought the gharana to this point

ISLAMABAD: A literary session on one of subcontinent’s oldest family musical traditions — the Patiala Gharana — explored how the disinterest of the younger generation coupled with limited opportunities for traditional musicians has led to the downfall of the Gharana.

The literary session, titled ‘Lok Baithak’, was organised by the Research and Media Section of Lok Virsa on Thursday evening.

The programme commenced with a vocal rendition of Sufi kalam by Professor Shahbaz Ali who was accompanied by Patiala Gharana scion Ustad Jalees on the violin and Ejaz Hussain on Tabla.

A musicologist, a singer, solo harmonium player and writer, Professor Ali shared his thoughts and experiences about the evolution of music in the subcontinent, its downfall and the reasons associated with it.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2019.