Ghulam Ali Lahooti: The case of the vanishing violin

Ghulam Ali Lahooti expresses remorse over the dearth of violinists in the country.

LAHORE:

Music teacher and violinist Ghulam Ali Lahooti recently released the first of its kind instrumental album Voice of Soul in Pakistan.  Financed by the Recovery Institute, the album is a fusion of contemporary fusion, folk and classical violin tones. The proceeds collected from the sale of this album will be donated to help the flood victims in Pakistan.

Lahooti explains that it had been his plan for many years to release a violin-dominated album and it took 15 years to achieve this goal. The artist gives credit to British violinist Vanessa Mae for inspiring him to compile an album of this flavour.

“Tanhai” is the only track in the album which has Lahooti’s vocals. The rest of the 11 songs in the album are a combination of classical and folk instrumental pieces, with renditions of the famous “Raag Kalabadi”, “Latay di Chadar” and redux of some famous Pashto song featuring in the playlist.

“I want to show people that the violin has a lot of versatility. I showed a variety of instrumental sounds, so that people become aware of the different ways of approaching the violin,” says Lahooti. “I think instrumental albums should be encouraged. Personally, I would be content if I inspire even one person to compile his or her own instrumental album.

The violinist has established the Ghulam Ali Lahooti Violin Music School at the Siddique Trade Centre in Lahore. He says that there are many youngsters who are interested in learning to play the violin and other string instruments, but most consider it as a part-time endeavour and not a full-time activity.

“The Violin should be promoted in Pakistan the same way it is promoted in other countries,” says Lahooti, who hopes that people will be inspired to take up playing the violin after listening to his album. “The reality is there is a huge audience that respects and listens to instrumental music but this demand is not being catered to.”

The artist ensures that the violin is promoted at his school; “We have made sure that there is at least one place where violins and other stringed instruments will be available and get to be played,” states Lahooti who has completed his thesis on violin playing from the National College of Arts Musicology department and won a gold medal at the All Pakistan Music Conference. “I see a huge interest in children, but they never have time since academics these days is tough and time consuming. There should be special courses and space for music.” He adds, “Currently only Sachal Studios in Lahore has provided a platform for classical musicians to promote their skills on a global level.”

Since taking up the violin at the age of 17, on the insistence of his father, flute player Muhammad Riaz, Lahooti has been in love with the sound of the instrument. “I think that on some level, the sound frequency of the violin matches the frequency of the heart,” states Lahooti. “Once you close your eyes for a moment and listen to the sound it will transport you to another world.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2012.