ISLAMABAD: Attending the benefit concert at Kuch Khaas on Sunday night was like stepping into a new world. Some of Pakistan’s finest folk musicians collaborating with violinist William Harvey created an entirely unique sound which enchanted the audience.

The concert was organised by the Institute for Preservation of Arts and Culture (IPAC) and was appropriately titled ‘Building Common Grounds’.

It aimed to raise funds for a nongovernmental organisation working for education and empowerment of girls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The event was put together by Cultures in Harmony Director William Harvey. The skilled violinist has performed around the world with the hope of bringing cultures together.

The one-and-a-half hour long performance was a seamless collaboration between the artists, akin to musical conversation. Akbar Khamisu played the Alghoza, Salman Adil the flute, Muhammad Ajmal tabla, while Muhammad Khan played the dholak.

When played along with the violin, the sound of each familiar folk instrument became new.

Audience was equally mesmerised by Zainullah Jan on Chitrali sitar combining with the powerful vocals of Kurban Ali Niazi and Akhtar Chanal. The music from the flutes of Salman Adil and Khamisu Khan appeared to make the night sway.

“This is eight musicians coming together and summoning the winds of the earth,” said Khizer Hussain, a guest at the concert.

William Harvey said Cultures in Harmony was in Pakistan to celebrate its 10th anniversary. His organisation has done 32 projects in 13 countries with the aim of bringing people together through music. “We have performed in various cities in Pakistan since 2010,” he said.

William Harvey appreciated IPAC for preserving Pakistan’s musical heritage.

“We are recording this particular performance in different countries where we will also be playing one bass line with various musicians. This way we will be sharing something common but representing cultures of different countries,” said William Harvey.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2015

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