KARACHI: It is always a pleasure to listen to an Eastern classical raga played on an instrument that is generally associated with the West. The reference is to the clarinet, which was masterfully played by Ibad Ali as the opening act of the 16th All Pakistan Music Conference (APMC) that began at the Indus Valley School on Friday evening. What did the musician play on the lovely instrument? Answer: raga jog. Wah!

It is a bit sad that music lovers started to trickle into the arena after Ibad had finished his stint on stage. The small number of attendees who did listen to what he had to offer can count themselves lucky. It was simply delightful. He played the pentatonic composition with endearing passion. It uplifted the mood of those who had come early to the gig.

A young vocalist, Shahzeb Ali, followed the clarinettist. The good thing about the artist is that he appears to be in love with what he does. And that’s what counts. He has the vocal chops, for sure, that are required to make it big in the world of classical music. All he needs is constant riyaz, which one is certain he does. His upper register control is fine, the lower register needs a bit more effort.

16th All Pakistan Music Conference under way

Next up was another instrumentalist: Iqbal Husain Sailani, the violinist. He played raga bihag. By this time, the IVS lawns had a good number of music buffs either sitting on chairs or comfortably leaning back on the gao takiya equidistantly placed on the chandnis or perched on the huge takht in the centre. It always makes for a wonderful sight when people show their love for traditional forms of music by turning up in a decent number.

Then came the real deal, in a manner of speaking. Muslim Shaggan’s presentation of raga puriya kalyan was pretty special. The young man performed with great facility and fervour. It was evident from his command of the sur, and the way he used the softer re (rishabh), that he has worked hard on his art. He made the audience listen to him with unwavering attention, applauding him every time he and tabla player Ustad Bashir Khan finished a particular set of movement. All this young man requires is to be a bit more unconventional with his approach to music, and he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Finally, Ustad Naseeruddin Saami appeared on stage with his team of musicians. As it always happens with the ustad, he got on the stage, sat quietly for some time to get in the right frame of mind to perform, and sang his heart out. He performed raga aiman.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2019