Karachi:
The 15th edition of the Tehzeeb festival opened with moving melodies and rare classical performances at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) on Saturday night. Held in collaboration with the Tehzeeb Foundation, the two -day Music Festival will be organized at the Zia Mohyeddin Theater, attracting large crowds of music enthusiasts.
The event began with a fascinating performance of the Pakistani vocalist Visual Mehak Rashid, who captivated the audience singing a Khayal Thumri while simultaneously playing the tanpura. His domain and expression obtained a standing ovation.
The international festival flavor was elevated by Bangladesh vocalist Niloy Ahsan Zulqarnain, who dazzled the crowd with his rich Dhrupad song style, adding classic gravites to the night. His performance stood out even among a strong line of Pakistani teachers.
Ustad Mumtaz Ali Sabzal delivered an innovative act that combines classic ragas with the people of Balochi in the banjo, offering a unique version of Raag des.
Rahim Yar Khan, singer Ahmed Raza Khan of the Gharana patiala introduced Khayal and fine Kafi, obtaining warm applause from the audience.
The famous Table Player Haroon Samuel surprised the meeting with a solo performance dedicated to the late Umar Hayat Khan of Punjab Gharana. The action served as a tribute to the legacy of the utility.
The festival continues on Sunday, with more performances in Raags such as Malkauns, Bageshri, Marwa, Darbari and Ghazals. The notable names aligned for the end include Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Izzat Fateh Ali Khan and Meta Pandit of India.
The founder of the Tehzeeb Foundation, Sharif Awan, speaking at the festival, said the event was conceived to promote the tradition-Shagird tradition (teacher disciple) of the subcontinent. “Like a chef combines spices to create a dish, Raags are made with care and experience,” he said. Awan also remembered the legendary teachers Utad Umar Hayat Khan and the recently approved Ustad Bashir Khan.
Kaif Ghaznavi, the host of the Festival and Cultural Promoter, said that the Tehzeeb Foundation has been organizing classical musical events during the last 18 years to highlight the rich cultural identity of Pakistan. She emphasized that the platform provides visibility to emerging musicians and singers.
The event is supported by the Sindh government and several private institutions. The president of NAPA, Javed Iqbal, in his brief speech before presenting commemorative shields, paid tribute to the deceased Zia Mohyeddin, calling him an imposing figure of Pakistan’s performing arts.
