Ustad Raza Ali Khan mesmerises audience at PNCA

ISLAMABAD:

To keep and revive the tradition of classical music alive, a colourful and vibrant event titled 'RAGISTAN' was held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in which Ustad Raza Ali Khan of ‘Kasur Gharana’ performed at the PNCA open-air theatre.

The event has been initiated by the PNCA for the preservation and promotion of classical music, said a press statement on Saturday.

In her introduction of the artiste of the evening, PNCA Director general PNCA Dr Fauzia Saeed remarked that Ustaad Raza Ali Khan is the grandson of one of the most eminent names in the field, Barai Ghulam Ali Khan.

“They are our pride and identity. We salute him for his dedication and contribution as he has devoted his life to this genre of classical music, a heritage of his ancestors and pride of the region,” she said.

“All the music gharanas (households) have contributed a lot in keeping classical music alive,” she added.

The statement said the PNCA is working for the preservation and promotion of this great heritage. “Through these programmes, the classical music lover and student not only listen to Ustad’s but meet them to learn.

The PNCA has also started instrumental music presentation at public places and markets in Islamabad to bridge music lovers and artistes and to create a sense of ownership of our heritage.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2021.