KARACHI, Oct 3: A project of classical music featuring musicians from the subcontinent, the UK and Germany titled ‘Indus Raag’ will be launched on Oct 6 during the first of the two-day Tehzeeb Festival 2012.

This was announced by Malahat and Sharif Awan of Tehzeeb Foundation at a hotel on Wednesday. The project comprises a dozen audio CDs and a booklet.

While talking to the media, Mr Awan shed light on how important it was to support classical musicians so that their art could be enjoyed and fostered.

Indian sarangi player Kamal Sabri, who will be one of the performers during the festival, appreciated the organisers’ effort and told the media that the Indian government helped and supported classical musicians, and Pakistan could also do well with state patronage.

Ustad Nasiruddin Saami, who was present on the occasion, argued that though music was progressing in the region there was a need for programmed efforts to further its cause. He added that certain principles were involved in learning and teaching classical music that must be adhered to.

Mr Awan then informed journalists of the festival’s two-day schedule. He said the sarangi ensemble would be performed on Oct 6 (Saturday) in which Kamal Sabri from India and six sarangi players from Pakistan would take part. Music experts such as Raza Kazim (Lahore) and Uxi Mufti (Islamabad) will then launch Indus Raag, followed by Sheema Kermani’s dance recital and Ustad Saami’s khayal and tarana. On Sunday, among other musicians, Indian vocalist Vidya Shah, distinguished sitar player Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan (Germany) and Ustad Shafqat Salamat Ali Khan will perform.—Staff Reporter