Musical evening: Soulful retreat into timeless melodies
Sounds of tabla, dholak and matka complement powerful vocals.
Muhammad Ajmal Khan on tabla and Malik Sikander on matka. PHOTO COURTESY: HASSAN HAKEEM
ISLAMABAD:
New to the world of ragas and matras, Ornella Julita sat keenly listening to a live classical performance at Marriott Hotel on Wednesday. “Beautiful voice,” she commented, as maestro Mehfooz Ali Khokhar rendered a devotional number.
Hosted by Mausiqaar, the soiree managed to pull a sizable crowd including diplomats and youngsters, somewhat unusual for a weekday. The playlist promised a mix of kafi, thumri and ghazal.
Muhammad Ajmal Khan, who was recently awarded the Pride of Performance for his contribution to tabla playing, was in his element. Elaborating on the teen-taal technique, he reminisced about the musical tradition of his parent Punjab Gharana. Next to him were Jeevay Laal on dholak and Malik Sikander on matka.
The fusion of instruments created an eclectic rhythm; interlaced beats echoed down the hall, reciprocated with abundant applause. This stream of music remained undeterred by a brief interruption owing to power outage, a reality check amidst the otherwise transporting medley.
Scheduled to perform at the event, vocalist Shaukat Manzoor was held back by a last-minute emergency. Nevertheless, Mehfooz Ali Khokar and Tahir Khan took to the stage in succession, bringing to the table a diverse mix of ghazals including “Dam Mast Qalandar”, “Gori Karath Singhar”, “Teri Ruswayon Se Darta Hoon”, “Abhi Na Jao Chorhkar”, “Janay Kaise Log Thay” and “Laut Ke Ana”.
The impromptu performances left the audience mesmerised, with request upon request piling up till the very last note.
“I really enjoyed the combination of instruments. Also the effortless vocals added to the experience,” remarked Roohi Tahir, a Mausiqaar member.
To the classical dancer Amna Mawaz Khan, the appeal for such sound comes naturally. She was accompanied by her mentor Indu Mitha, who sat far ahead in a dizzying row of seats, where visibility was perhaps better than the end of the hall.
Mausiqaar is a trust that provides patronage to classical musicians and strives to keep the performing arts alive in the capital.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2013.
New to the world of ragas and matras, Ornella Julita sat keenly listening to a live classical performance at Marriott Hotel on Wednesday. “Beautiful voice,” she commented, as maestro Mehfooz Ali Khokhar rendered a devotional number.
Hosted by Mausiqaar, the soiree managed to pull a sizable crowd including diplomats and youngsters, somewhat unusual for a weekday. The playlist promised a mix of kafi, thumri and ghazal.
Muhammad Ajmal Khan, who was recently awarded the Pride of Performance for his contribution to tabla playing, was in his element. Elaborating on the teen-taal technique, he reminisced about the musical tradition of his parent Punjab Gharana. Next to him were Jeevay Laal on dholak and Malik Sikander on matka.
The fusion of instruments created an eclectic rhythm; interlaced beats echoed down the hall, reciprocated with abundant applause. This stream of music remained undeterred by a brief interruption owing to power outage, a reality check amidst the otherwise transporting medley.
Scheduled to perform at the event, vocalist Shaukat Manzoor was held back by a last-minute emergency. Nevertheless, Mehfooz Ali Khokar and Tahir Khan took to the stage in succession, bringing to the table a diverse mix of ghazals including “Dam Mast Qalandar”, “Gori Karath Singhar”, “Teri Ruswayon Se Darta Hoon”, “Abhi Na Jao Chorhkar”, “Janay Kaise Log Thay” and “Laut Ke Ana”.
The impromptu performances left the audience mesmerised, with request upon request piling up till the very last note.
“I really enjoyed the combination of instruments. Also the effortless vocals added to the experience,” remarked Roohi Tahir, a Mausiqaar member.
To the classical dancer Amna Mawaz Khan, the appeal for such sound comes naturally. She was accompanied by her mentor Indu Mitha, who sat far ahead in a dizzying row of seats, where visibility was perhaps better than the end of the hall.
Mausiqaar is a trust that provides patronage to classical musicians and strives to keep the performing arts alive in the capital.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2013.