Mehfil at Alhamra: A Sincere Congregation of Music

The Alhamra Art Council was afire with emotion, rhythm, and nostalgia as the evening reverberated with melodies from the mountains of Hunza to the heart of Lahore. The event, titled “Mehfil – A Heartfelt Gathering of Music,” brought together old and new musicians, classical and modern, to celebrate music as a bridge between cultures and generations.

This concert was arranged by the Leif Larsen Music Center, a small yet remarkable musical school based in Hunza. It has been nurturing young talent who are passionate about preserving their cultural heritage since its inception. Guided by a student from the National College of Arts, the senior students of this school played a concert entitled "Youth for Youth," an effort to inspire and connect through traditional sounds.

It was a jam-packed performance with an ensemble of traditional Hunza instruments that included the Rubab, Dadang, Vighini, and Chitrali Sittar. The sweet and soulful tone of the Rubab filled the hall with warmth. The Dadang added depth and rhythm to the performance since it is one of Hunza's oldest instruments.

Influenced by Iranian sounds, the Chitrali Sittar added an exotic layer to the music. Aisa, being the only female in the pack of musicians, stole the show when she played Vighini with elegance and confidence. Her presence on stage symbolized talent and empowerment, earning her heartfelt applause from the audience.

One of the memorable moments of the evening came when Abdullah sang the classic ghazal “Ranjish Hi Sahi.” Initially performed to cover a brief technical pause, his heartfelt rendition captured the audience’s attention and turned the moment into an emotional high point. It showed that music, even when unplanned, has instantly the power to move and connect people.

The greatest surprise of the evening came when the legendary rock band 'Call' took center stage once again after a period of fifteen years. It was the same venue where, many years ago, this group had launched their first-ever album. The audience cheered wildly as they began to play all their chartbusters, and nostalgia filled the atmosphere.

Upon the insistence of the audience, Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, or simply Zulfi, gave a touching and powerful solo performance, which received an ovation. His feel with the audience was electrifying-a feel that seemed to belong to their early days.

Adding another layer of energy to the evening, Farhan Saeed sang his all-time favorite song Adat. His soulful voice resounded through the hall, bringing back memories to many in the crowd. Between songs, he shared exciting news about his upcoming album, scheduled for a release on November 14, which transformed the concert into both a performance and celebration of his musical journey.

The Mehfil at Alhamra was more than a concert. It was an experience that wove the past and the present together, the earthy sounds of Hunza's mountains blending with the familiar heartbeat of Pakistani pop and rock.

It reminded all that music is more than sound; it is emotion, memory, and connection. When words fall short, music becomes the heartbeat of the soul.