LAHORE: The annual All Pakistan Music Conference kicked off at Open Air Theatre, Bagh-i-Jinnah, on Tuesday.

A large crowd of music fanciers, including conference loyalists, gathered on Tuesday evening for the 57th music conference that began with great fervour and zest.

The conference is being held at this venue after seven years. Previously, it was held at Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, owing to security risks.

Sara Farooq, a visitor, welcomed the conference’s return to its original venue. “We have been attending music conferences at Open Air Theatre for many years. This place has its own aura and ambiance. We are happy that the conference was decided to be held here.”

Another visitor, Tariq Ahmed, had similar feelings. “We used to miss this ambiance when the conference was taking place at Alhamra. The open sky, lush greenery around and being on a hill this venue is just fabulous.”

On the inaugural day of the conference, a contest was held between students under and over 10 years of age as well as those from colleges and universities. Students contested for the Javed Ahmed Qureshi Trophy , Ghazanfar Trophy and Medal, Roshan Ara Begum Shield, Syed Wajid Ali Trophy , Jamil Mazhar and Mazai Medals and Ahmed Meraj Medal.

Students who performed on the occasion received great applause.

Dania was appreciated for singing ‘Jo Na Mil Sakay Wohi Bewafa’ and Muhammad Talish for performing Parveen Shakir’s ghazal ‘Ku Ba Ku Phel Gayi Baat Shanasai Ki’. Furqan Ahmed sang the thumari ‘Lagi Ray Lagi’ brilliantly.

Published in Dawn, October 7th , 2015

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