Polish envoy hosts ‘Music without Borders’

Islamabad
In keeping with the programme ‘Music without Borders’ between Poland and Pakistan, Polish musicians, Maria Pomianowska with Pawel Betley on the flute, along with Pakistani artistes, Ustad Sachu and The Band were featured in a concert on Saturday evening.
Hosted by the Ambassador of Poland and Mrs Ananicz, the event was held at the poolside terrace of the Marriot Hotel, the open skies lending a great ambiance to the occasion. The concert was attended by a number of ambassadors and their spouses and Pakistani friends of the hosts who came to listen to this treat.
Addressing the gathering, the host welcomed his guests and introduced the artistes saying a few words about each. Maria is in Pakistan for the second time and is participating in the ongoing music ‘mela’. The programme began with the Baluchi musicians playing a lively, toe tapping traditional number before they were joined by the two Polish artistes. “We do not understand each other’s language,” said Maria “but we communicate with the language of music.” There followed about an hour of music from both countries, each artiste quite at ease and producing a pleasing fusion of sounds, an enjoyable interlude of music for those who like this genre. Praise for the artistes was generous and, of course, the fact that our traditional music musicians are highlighted in such a nice manner is really appreciated by those who feel more should be done to promote them. A big thank you to the hosts!
Maria Pomianowska is a Polish instrumentalist, singer and teacher, doctor of musical arts, composer and teacher. She plays, among other instruments, the ‘sarangi’, ‘bitch Bilgoraj’ and cello and has created unique programmes featuring traditional Polish music in collaboration with musicians from many countries.
Sachu Khan hails from the Zilla Bugti region of Baluchistan and is one of the last of the old masters of Baluchi folk music in Pakistan. He performs all types of music such as ‘lehra’, ‘samrhi’, ‘zemal’, ‘nar sur dastaan’ and ‘Qalandri dhamaal’ on the ‘suroz’ a traditional Baluch instrument. He is accompanied by The Band — Khadim Husain (vocals and dambura) Riaz Hussain (dambura) and Ashraf Ali (percussion).