PESHAWAR: Eshareh -- a French music band comprising three talented musicians -- mesmerised a gathering of music lovers with their soft melodious tunes at the exquisite and historic Sethi House here on Friday evening.

The Eshareh presents the beauty of diverse cultures represented by the artists comprising it. They harmoniously combine Indian sounds, chants of Arab world and Persian percussions in the music they create.

The music of Eshareh created a surreal ambiance in the centuries-old Sethi House which was abandoned till a few years back the government bought it to preserve the entire building to make use of it for holding gatherings to promote arts and culture.

The concert organised by the directorate of archaeology and museums and French Embassy was an effort to bring music through Eshareh in old Peshawar city, which is hungry for such cultural evenings.

A large number of people from different walks of life attended the concert and the way they were absorbed till the last tune was a proof that they enjoyed it thoroughly.

Simon De’gremont, one of the members of the band, is a classical guitar medalist. He is not only a performer and musician, he also teaches music.

Matteo Pastorino, who has studied Jazz in Paris, won scholarships, recorded albums and played at various Jazz festivals. He has played with known musicians.

Julien Lahaye is a percussionist and also director of Eshareh. He was trained in African Mandinka music.

He also studied the Iranian drums (Tombak, Dayrah).

The three talented artists through their instruments brought eastern and western cultures together and also revived the beauty of Sethi House and spirits of the people of Peshawar.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2017