ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Romania in Islamabad announced the launch of the first-ever choral arrangement and score of Pakistan’s national anthem, ‘Qaumi Tarana’, to mark Pakistan Day.

The project was realised by Romania’s National Chamber Choir, Madrigal Marin Constantin, with support from the embassy as a tribute to Pakistan and its people.

Composed in 1949 by Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla, with lyrics by Hafeez Jalandhari, the national anthem was first broadcast on Radio Pakistan in 1954 and formally adopted soon after.

A recording of the national anthem, done in 1955 by 11 Pakistani singers, offered an early multi-voice version.

The Madrigal Choir’s polyphonic interpretation distributes the melody across soprano, alto, tenor and bass, preserving the anthem’s solemn character while reshaping the orchestral original of 38 tones and 21 instruments into vocal lines.

The choir navigated challenges of evolving phrases, a wide tonal range, and Persianised Urdu pronunciation.

Romanian Ambassador Dr Dan Stoenescu called the project “truly historic,” noting it will forever link the two nations.

The album and score are being presented to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir as a gesture of friendship.

Founded in 1963 by Marin Constantin, the Madrigal Choir is known for its non-vibrato technique and cultural diplomacy.

The arrangement forms part of its “Diplomacy: The Anthems of the World” programme, launched in 2021, underscoring Romania’s respect for Pakistan’s identity and the power of music to bridge nations.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2026