LAHORE: Kinnaird College for Women in collaboration with Sachal Studios and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) on Tuesday celebrated International Jazz Day.

The event was held at Hladia Hall of the college that was filled with students and guests.

US Consul General Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau was the chief guest on the occasion. Other guests included US Consulate Head of Public Affairs Michael Guinan, Deputy Public Affairs Maryum Saifee and Cultural Affairs Specialist Tanveer Hassan.

International Jazz Day is celebrated across the world to highlight jazz music, the role it played in providing the oppressed communities and suppressed ethnicities with a voice. The day also celebrates the diplomatic role of jazz in uniting people across the world.

College Principal Dr Rukhsana David shared her views on the importance of music and the role it plays in preserving heritage. Sachal Studios head Nur Fatima shared the history of the studio’s journey and significance of International Jazz Day.

The finale of the evening was a live performance by the Sachal Jazz Ensemble that played its rendition of ‘Take 5’ by Dave Brubeck, Pink Panther along with their local numbers ‘Shalamar’, ‘She Ditched Me’, and ‘Taxali Gate’.

Ms Trudeau said: “Music is an important cultural bridge connecting people and communities together. I want to thank Sachal Studios and Kinnaird College for hosting the event and celebrating International Jazz Day. We look forward to continue partnering with Sachal and Kinnaird in the future.”

Ms David said the institution always remained at the forefront to engage students with the arts and music. “It is an honour for us to bring the celebrations of International Jazz Day to Pakistan for the first time.”

Ms Fatima said Sachal was working to revive the glory of Pakistan’s music industry. “We strongly feel that jazz music has enabled us to breathe a new life into cultural instruments as well as provide musicians with a new chance to shine on the global platform,” she added.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2018