Saving classical music

KARACHI: This is with reference to your report ‘No space for classical music at Radio Pakistan’ (July 21). It is indeed sad but true that classical music isn’t getting the quality air-time it used to get at Radio Pakistan in the past. The article’s crux only goes to highlight that just like any other state run organisation, Radio Pakistan seems to have misplaced priorities along with an incompetent management at its helm.

In order to save classical music the private sector has to step in. Programmes like Coke Studio, sponsorship for concerts and albums for classical musicians are needed as well as joint ventures with foreign artists. These efforts will highlight this genre of music to more youngsters and eventually create a target audience/demand for it.

Our heritage of classical music is an immense treasure trove which needs preservation. Waiting for official bodies to come to their senses will do no good.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2010.