ISLAMABAD: As Carlo Ambrosio performed on Wednesday night, his joy was infectious. The audience in the capital was witness to the same love between the classical guitarist and his instrument, which has entertained audience all over the world.

Anyone who saw the performance was impressed by the Italian guitarist’s skill and energy. The instrumental concert was hosted by the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad and the Serena Hotel.

While providing a night of musical entertainment to the audience, the event was aimed at raising money for the Bright Star Mobile Library. The concert managed to raise over Rs2 million for the charitable cause.

The beautiful sounds from his nylon stringed acoustic guitar, the agility with which his fingers seemed to move across the instrument and his precise sense of rhythm fascinated the audience.

“I picked up the guitar at the age of six and never put it down since,” Carlo Ambrosio told Dawn, before the concert.

Carlo Ambrosio is visiting Pakistan for the first time. He said he is looking forward to collaborating with Pakistani musicians on instruments such as the tabla and sitar.

“I hope to create a mixture of western classical music and local folk music. I have always enjoyed listening to Indian classical music and fusion music is beautiful,” he said.

On Wednesday night, he performed early 19th and 20th century classical music by composers such as Francisco Tarrega, Joaquin Turina and Heitor Villa – Lobos.

The Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Bolani explained his organisation was supporting health and education sectors which are areas of need in Pakistan.

Carlo Ambrosio will also be traveling to Lahore and Karachi to perform in live concerts.

“I am very happy to support the noble objectives of the Bright Star Mobile Library,” said the Italian Ambassador Adriano Chiodi Cianfarani, who has accepted to become the patron of the trust.

During his introductory remarks, the ambassador highlighted the importance of education for the growth and progress of any country.

“Education is one of the top priority sectors in Italian and Pakistani development cooperation,” the ambassador said.

To support the cause, he decided to invite the famed solo Italian guitarist and composer Carlo Ambrosio, who has been performing around the world since 1970 and has recorded for institutions like the BBC, SBC Radio 3 and WABC among others.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2015

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