'I hope to take a piece of Pakistan home'

Guatemalan singer Maria Morales calls her visit 'an inspiring experience'

KARACHI:

Guatemalan soprano opera singer Maria Jose Morales has described her first visit to Pakistan as an inspiring experience, praising the country's people, cultural diversity and the warmth of its audiences during the ongoing World Culture Festival.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Morales said she was grateful for the opportunity to share her music and introduce Pakistani audiences to a glimpse of Latin American culture.

"This is my first time coming to Pakistan and I loved the experience. I love the people and everything this festival represents for arts and culture. I am really grateful to be here to share my music and a little bit of the heart of Latin America with everybody," she said.

Commenting on the participation of artists from more than 150 countries at the festival, Morales said the gathering was an inspiring example of how art could bring people from different cultures together.

"I think it is totally inspiring and an example for the world that arts can bring cultures together. I have met so many talented artists. Everybody is at a very high level, and most importantly, they are amazing human beings," she said.

Morales also expressed interest in exploring a musical collaboration between opera and Pakistani music, revealing that she was already working on a song with a local producer during the festival.

"I would love to do a collaboration with Pakistani music. Actually, we are working in the studio here with a producer. We are working on a song, so I hope it works out and we can hear it soon," she said.

Explaining what motivated her to accept the invitation to Pakistan, Morales said the festival's vision of bringing cultures together through art particularly appealed to her.

Before travelling, she researched the event and was inspired by its mission of encouraging artists from different backgrounds to create and share their work.

"I want to take a little bit of Pakistan back to my country and maybe replicate something similar because it is amazing," she added.

Sharing a message for Pakistani audiences, Morales praised the hospitality she had experienced and encouraged people to continue supporting the arts.

"You have a beautiful country. I am so proud and grateful to be here. I will go back to my country and say wonderful things about you. I will encourage many people to come here. You are an amazing audience and amazing people, so warm," she said.

She urged audiences to attend cultural festivals and artistic activities, saying such events were beneficial for both cities and countries.