LAHORE: A ghazal night was organised at Alhamra on Tuesday featuring renowned singers Ghulam Abbas and Tarranum Naz.

The duo performed together at Alhamra after over a decade at an evening that was conducted by Saira Siddiqui. Lahore Arts Council Executive Director retired Capt Atta Muhammad Khan and Board of Governors Chairman Kamran Lashari were also in attendance.

This was the first of such ghazal evenings that the council had earlier decided to hold every month.

Lashari, while speaking on the occasion, welcomed the audience and said the arts council wanted to generate for the public more opportunities in performing arts. He said this initiative of holding ghazal, Sufi, folk and qawali nights every month was a step towards creating a room for entertainment and creativity.

The evening was opened by upcoming singer Aman Ali who performed popular ghazals such as ‘Dil dharknay ka sabab’ and ‘Silsilay tor gaya vo sabhi’.

Next up was a dance performance by Versatile Dance Company. Playback and ghazal singer Ghulam Abbas followed with his melodious tribute to the creative era of the 70s when he sang ‘Mein nay roka bhi nahi’, ‘Vo aa to jaye magar’ and ‘Aisay vo sharmaye jaisay megha chhaye’.

The evening was concluded with some fine singing by Tarranum Naz who rendered famous ghazals such as ‘Teri baatein he sunane aye’, ‘Niyat-i-shauq bhar na jaye kahin’ and ‘Ho tamanna aur kya’.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2016