KARACHI: Nostalgia and grief were the driving force behind the classical music performance at the All Pakistan Music Conference (APMC) held at the PACC on Sunday to mark the recent demise of legendary sitar player Ustad Raees Khan.

Commemorating the contributions to the genre made by Ustad Raees, a bethak was arranged for musical connoisseurs and music lovers in general. Khayal vocalist Intezar Hussain performed to an intimate audience who had gathered to pay their respects to Ustad Raees, and also partake in what the future generation of classical music in Pakistan has in store.

Ayla Raza of the APMC spoke about the significance of the loss of Ustad Raees, a loss, she said was irreplaceable.

“This evening is to remember the sitar ka baadshah, Ustad Raees, who has left such an indelible mark on classical music in the country that his presence will be felt in every classical music instrument played and every voice that is part of this musical genre.”

Mr Hussain’s vocals were the star of the evening, with his impressive range on display and backed by Ustad Bashir on tabla, Ustad Akhtar Husain on harmonium and Gul Mohammad on sarangi, there was no compromise on musical quality.

His performance exhibited the distinct style of the Patiala gharana. At the APMC, he exhibited his superior training and inspiration by showcasing elements of the Patiala gaeki like taan-tayyari, boltaanm tez sargam and laykari.

Mr Hussain has also been trained by the late maestro Ilyas Khan.

Despite the sombre note on which the evening began, a ray of optimism persisted to assure those present that classical music in Pakistan is here to stay.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2017