ISLAMABAD: It was the perfect harmony of rhythm and sounds which mesmerised the audience when Shafqat Ali Khan performed at Kuch Khaas on Saturday night.

After letting the audience know how honoured he felt to be performing before them, the humble maestro launched into two hours of soulful classical music.

The audience was drawn towards the style of Shafqat Ali Khan who played with the octaves, touching high notes. A contemplative meditation descended upon the audience and musicians alike.

The performance was a tribute to Ustad Salamat Ali Khan arranged by Institute for Preservation of Art and Culture (IPAC).

“We asked none other than Ustad Salamat’s son, Shafqat Ali Khan, to perform. Shafqat is one of the leading classical vocalists of Pakistan. He and his father hail from the Sham Chaurasi Gharana style of classical singing and both have brought international recognition to this Gharana,” said one of the founding members of IPAC, Umair Jafar.

The institute has been endeavouring to preserve and promote traditional art forms and cultural heritage of Pakistan.

The performance was more than just a tribute to one of the finest classical musicians.

Shafqat Ali Khan was accompanied by his two sons –Faizan Ali Khan, 14 and Nadir Ali Khan, 12 – and his nephew Arif Ali who is 15.

It was like giving the boys on-job training, passing on the precious legacy of legendary singers.

With the boys behind the mikes, the singers transformed an ordinary day into an extraordinary experience.

Denis Chouvinard in the audience said he felt music like never before.

He appreciated the singer’s transfer of knowledge to his sons on the stage.

Shafqat Ali Khan performed devotional compositions of Bulleh Shah and Khawaja Ghulam Farid.

The power and beauty of the improvisational music was deepened when Shafqat Ali Khan, strumming his Surmandal (multiple-stringed instrument), was joined by the essential rhythms of the tabla played by Kashif Ali Dani.

The musicians interacted and complemented on the stage, challenging each other to repeat the increasingly complex rhythms, building up the climax and then settling into calmer and composed melodies.

As talented as they come, Kashif Ali Dani masterfully brought out the voice and soul of his tablas.

“It is a wonder how Shafqat Ali Khan has kept the tradition alive by bringing his sons on to the stage with him. The deep melodic structure of classical music is what makes it magical,” said famous singer from Islamabad Arieb Azhar. The performance had drawn audience of all ages.