Mausikaar entertains music lovers

Islamabad: The closing event of Mausikaar Welfare Trust featured a performance of dance and music and was held in collaboration with the Marriott Hotel, a long time supporter of the trust. It was a well attended affair with culture vultures of the capital - including a few diplomats - gracing the occasion and anticipating the performance.

After high tea and interaction among the attendees, the programme began with GM Marriott, Roy Kappenburger extending a warm welcome to the guests and stating that he was happy to support the initiative of Mausikaar to promote the classical music culture of Pakistan. He was followed by president and founder, Mausikaar, Dr Seema, who also welcomed the guests; appreciated the support of the hotel; informed that the trust had completed a decade of promoting music and supporting artistes by fundraising; creating awareness; engaging media and working as coordinators to bring artistes and people together.

In this context she mentioned collaborations with the embassies of Austria and Spain and a successful, first ever tour of Azerbaijan to celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations, which is also an achievement.

She then explained that Mausikaar is run by a group of volunteers trying to promote the true image of Pakistan through music, something which is deeply rooted in the society and support is needed to keep up the work for an extended period of time. She concluded by introducing the committee, which now also includes men dedicated to the cause of the trust. Short documentaries were screened to pay tribute to three artistes who have passed away recently – Shams Haider (mouth organ); Liaqat Ali (only jal tarang player) and famous composer A Hamid. Acting as MC, Dr Seema gave a brief description of Kathak and its origins before Saima Khushnood and Kamral Ali took turns in performing, Kamran’s exuberant moves being offset by Saima’s more feminine ones – both equally enjoyable.

She has improved over the years and is now an accomplished dancer. Her facial expressions are in keeping with the words of songs like Nur Jehans ever green, ‘Mujh say pehli see mohabbat meray mehboob na maang’ (don’t ask for love like my first love)! In my opinion both artistes were better at contemporary dance and interpretation but not being an expert, I may be mistaken. Anyway, both were well applauded and a standing ovation was given to them at the end of their performance.

Interspersed between the different dances, light music provided by 26 years old Mohammad Moin Nizami on the sitar and Mohammad Javaid on the tabla entertained the audience. They played some lively, classical and folk tunes which were much appreciated by the audience. It was a befitting end to a successful season of promoting Pakistan’s traditional music culture and must have left the audience looking forward to when activities begin again in autumn.