The National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) witnessed an enchanting evening of classical music as the All-Pakistan Music Conference (APMC) presented the year-end performance of its Darsgah project on Sunday. The collaborative event between NAPA and APMC showcased the remarkable progress of students trained under renowned musical ustads.
Evening of Classical Raags and Talents
The musical journey began at Zia Mohyeddin Theater with an introduction to the Darsgah project, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Romaysa Iqbal, a sitar student of Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan, opened the performances with a soulful rendition of Raag Bilawal, accompanied by Irfan Haider on tabla.
The program continued with Hasnain Raza, a tabla disciple of Ustad Sabz Ali, who presented an impressive teen taal performance with harmonium support from Ali Raza and Gul Muhammad. The audience then experienced Azalan Haider, another sitar student of Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan, performing Raag Aimen with tabla accompaniment by Irfan Haider.
Notable Performances and Master Disciples
Ayla Raza, the head of APMC and student of Ustad Raza Ali Khan, graced the stage with a captivating performance of Raag Durga. She acknowledged multiple ustads who contributed to her musical journey and was accompanied by the legendary Ustad Sabz Ali himself on tabla.
The evening progressed with Sadaf Habib presenting Raag Bageshree on sitar, followed by Zain Hussain's rendition of Raag Puriya Dhanasri. Both performances highlighted the diverse musical traditions being preserved and promoted through the Darsgah project.
Grand Finale and Audience Appreciation
As the concert reached its climax, Meesam Abbas Jafri delivered Raag Bihaag with accompaniment from Ustad Sabz Ali on tabla, Ali Raza on harmonium, and Gul Muhammad on sarangi. The evening concluded with three exceptional performances by Ayaan Ali Saqib, who presented Raag Jhintoji, Shaam Kalyan, and Gaawati on sitar, accompanied by Ustad Sabz Ali on tabla.
The theater was filled to capacity with enthusiastic music lovers who showed tremendous appreciation for each performance. The event successfully demonstrated the APMC's commitment to nurturing classical music traditions through systematic training of the next generation of musicians.
