By Jonaid Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Ali Abbas, a student of the noted classical singer Ustad Fateh Ali Khan of Patiala Gharana enthralled music buffs at Sir Syed Memorial Society Hall here on late Tuesday.

The Marriott’s classical music programme, Mausiqar, seems to be gaining popularity in the federal capital.

The artist presented sakhee more (my friend) in raga Bhageshwari with gusto and full control.

“Abbas is doing great job by singing classical music,” commented Todd Shea, the American guitarist and singer who has been in Pakistan since the earthquake of Oct 8, 2005. Eminent broadcaster Agha Nasir said that Ali Abbas performance was remarkable and his facial presentation in rendering the music superb.

Then Abbas presented a tarana and Persian ghazal of Amir Khusrau the great poet and musician of South Asia (1253-1325AD) in raga yaman. From here Ustad Sultan Fateh Ali took over the later part of the music. He began to croon mera piya mujh se bole na in raga khamaj. Ustad Sultan rendered the raga in a most melodious voice with the effect that every one present was swaying his/ her head in appreciation.

The musical evening also served the purpose of paying tribute to Dr Muhammad Iqbal, the national poet, on the eve of his death anniversary being observed on Wednesday.

A young girl, Maheen from Beaconhouse School, sang Allama Iqbal’s poem Lab pea atee hai dua ban ke tamanna meri in a very melodious voice.

The orchestra provided to the two classical musicians was in rhapsody with a feeble Sarangi.
Source: Dawn
Date:4/21/2010