The magic of music, art resumes

Cultural events have resumed at the Lahore Arts Council (LAC) after the Eidul Azha holidays.

Hundreds of students were being trained in as many as 12 disciplines at Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts, LAC. These disciplines included guitar lessons, tabla, harmonium, flute, sitar, drawing and painting. The melodies performed by the students especially one produced during flute training resonates with the sound of patriotic songs performed at the arts academy.

When the young artiste puts a rhythm on a guitar using their best learned techniques, some of the finest tunes were produced.

Many of these students were inspired by some of the finest, renowned artistes of the country who performed at the national level. These musicians included Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Noor Jahan and Mehdi Hassan. The students often aspire to be as good as these legends or draw from their experiences to do better in the music industry.

Presidential award winning musician Sajjad Tafu and other eminent Alhamra teachers are also optimistic about the future of music in the country. To continue this journey of musical diversity, cultural events resumed at the arts council after the Eid holidays ended.

In order to fulfill their dream of making a name for themselves in the field of music, the students from different educational institutions across Lahore take evening classes at Alhamra, learning to use various musical instruments.

These students were trained under the supervision of musical experts.

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During the practice, the young students often get together for informal jam sessions to play guitar.

Reportedly, hundreds of students at the arts academy are currently mastering 12 disciplines. Some of these young trainees are learning to play the guitar and sitar, while others are being taught how to perform using violin, harmonium and the flute. The young students are very enthusiastic about taking music lessons. Many of these students are working towards making their mark in the country’s music industry, standing on the shoulders of giants.

Tafu, who teaches guitar to young people, told The Express Tribune that he was not pessimistic about the future of music. “Most of my life has been spent in the art of music and I can say from experience that young students in Lahore have great talent. I can confidently say that this generation has a lot to learn and so far they seem determined to do something great in the field of music.”

Renowned harmonium expert Hussain Bakhsh said cultural activities had finally resumed after Eid for which he was glad to see so many young students return to perform and learn music. “Students come and learn some of the best melodies in the field.”

He claimed that the LAC had played a significant role in the promotion of local, indigenous music.

LAC Executive Director Farhat Jabeen said that the arts council was working to promote various forms of art including painting. Hundreds of students were currently studying at the arts academy, many of whom were keen on learning to play tabla, violin, sitar, guitar and flute.

Students are learning a lot keeping in mind the social distancing rules being observed due to the coronavirus pandemic, she added.

After receiving training from here, students also perform in their educational institutions and receive appreciation from their respective school communities, she stated. “The arts council is the only institution of its kind where the atmosphere is all about arts and culture.”

Regular training has been given in painting, drawing and sculpture to further hone the skills of the youth, she said. “Young people trained here make a name for themselves by being part of exhibitions across the country.”

According to Director Zulfiqar Ahmed Zulfi, the arts council strives to promote cultural activities across Pakistan.

“Young students are also being given the opportunity to perform at various events so that they can demonstrate the best of their abilities to the music community.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2021.