French-Moroccan vocalist enthrals audience

Cultural diplomacy initiative sheds light on foreign musical traditions

Both the foreign and local community were taken on a magical journey of music and harmony at a musical performance by French-Moroccan musician Zakaria Haffar, who also serves as the French Cultural Attache in Islamabad.

The mesmerizing sounds of the Santoor and Oud filled the air, as the multi-lingual Zakaria Haffar took to the stage. Presented under the auspices of the Asian Study Group, in collaboration with Serena Hotel and Alliance Francais, Islamabad, as part of their commitment towards Cultural Diplomacy, the event was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East and North Africa.

The French-Moroccan musician and vocalist transported the audience on a captivating journey with a repertoire that included both traditional and spiritual aspects , gleaned during his years around the Mediterranean, as well as personal compositions and improvisations with influences ranging from Anatolian to Celtic or Persian music.

Haffar's masterful playing of the Santoor, an ancient stringed instrument, was a highlight of the evening.

His fingers danced across the strings, producing a kaleidoscope of sounds that evoked intricate patterns .

The Oud, the chief stringed instrument South and East of the Mediterranean with its deep, resonant tones, added a sense of longing and nostalgia to the performance. The expressive vocals brought an emotional depth to the music, conveying the passion and poetry of the lyrics.

Throughout the concert, Haffar's passion and dedication to his craft was evident. His music was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the beauty of traditional Middle Eastern and North African music.

The evening ended with a constant request for encores, and the audience entranced by Haffar's performance gave a well-deserved standing ovation.