RAWALPINDI: Sarangi player Israr Nabi Bux enthralled audience with a superb performance at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Thursday.

Israr Nabi Bux, son of internationally renowned, pride-of-performance recipient Sarangi player Ustad Nabi Bux and received the gift of skilful playing from his father.

He trained in the art at a very young age and has performed at home and award.

He is not just a Sarangi player but also crafts the instrument wThe performance began with Raaga Ahheer in teen tal followed by sufi Kalam in saraiki “Khari Deindi an Sanhere”, moving on to Punjabi folk songs “Yar langh a ja”, “Lathe di chadar” among others. Sarangi is an instrument known to be closest to the human voice and encapsulates the emotion in it. Audiences found themselves moved by both the skill of the player and the feelings he communicated in music.

Ishaq Saqi accompanied Israr Nabi Bux on harmonium while Billu added beats from the tabla. Senator Najma Hameed was the guest of honor at the occasion.

She said that Israr Nabi Bux is a precious asset of Pakistan who projects the country’s positive image worldwide.

She appreciated Rawalpindi Arts Council for organizing such a wonderful event.

Resident Director RAC Waqar Ahmed said Israr Nabi Bux came here to perform on the council’s request which is a great honour.

He said RAC will continue to play its role in ensuring the survival of classical music and culture.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2014