Fun-filled evening of Pakistani music held

Islamabad
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Head of Delegation European Union, Lars Wigemark and his wife Rebekah, hosted a fun filled evening of Pakistani music at the Serena Hotel which was attended by many diplomats; their spouses and other music aficionados.
The outdoor event was shifted indoors due to the chilly and wet weather but a beautifully decorated stage, floor and chair seating and a warm hall made for a good ambience to listen to music.
The concert featured traditional music by Niazi Khan and Sholomenko group with Qurban Niazi and Sabeen Ali (vocals); Gary Sholomenko (saxophone and flute); Sarfaraz Khan (tabla) Mehfooz (dholak) Mohammaed Riaz (king) Iqtidar Ali (keyboard) Meeran Baksh (Dhol) and Umair Ali (backup vocals) while the second half had the young Pakistani musicians from Peshawar, ‘Khumaryian’ giving a taste of their take on traditional tunes.
The band members are Aamer Shafiq (guitar) Farhan Bogra (rubab) Shiraz Khan (percussion) and Sparlay Rawail (guitar) and there was a nice new addition this time — Iftikhar on the ‘santoor’, an instrument that will fade out if more young people do not learn to play it.
While the guests arrived and were being seated the first group played some really nice music with the saxophone taking centre stage. “We play together very often” said Gary, a Canadian citizen who has been here some time. “I enjoy playing with these wonderful musicians.”
The evening began with the host saying it was good to see so many people turn up despite the weather. “I know there have been many seminars and discussions to celebrate Women’s Day but we chose to celebrate in a different way because music is a feminine part of culture.” Adding that the need to express one’s self joyously and freely is a natural human trait, he regretted that it was not considered acceptable in Pakistan in many quarters.
The programme started with Qurban Niazi belting out Bulleh Shah’s ‘Mera piya ghar aya’ (my love has come home) followed by ‘Tera Ishq Nachaya’ (your love made me dance) and a couple of other numbers. In between his vocalizing, Sabeen also sang a couple of unfamiliar (to this audience) numbers. As the concert proceeded more young people shifted up to the front to sit on the floor and relish the catchy numbers by clapping and waving their hands.
There was a break for high tea, after which the Khumaryian lads came on stage with their boundless energy, raising the level of excitement quite a few notches. They played many of their popular numbers while Aamer Shafiq came down and strummed his guitar among the front rowers. Catcalls and clapping accompanied each number. In conclusion all the musicians came on stage and performed together with Rebekah Wigemark adding her voice to the others to make a grand finale. On everyone’s insistence one more short number was played and the evening came to an end.
I am sure everyone present appreciated this effort of the Wigemarks and all the EU embassy members who made such an enjoyable event possible. It is gestures such as this that make people remember with affection those who have lived here for a while and departed, leaving happy memories for those whose lives they have touched for a while.