November 6, 2015
Music is the only thing that probably communicates with people barring all language barriers. Mason Bates has added life to Steve Jobs in the movie “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” and Missy Mazzoli has given the movie “Breaking The Waves” an opera treatment. Apart from the movie, one of the aspects that intrigue us is the music. What kind of music do we have in store for this season? Let’s figure out!
The New York Philharmonic orchestra has some new music in the store. Clarinetist Kari Kriiikku plays the Kaija Saariaho’s D’OM LE VRAI SENS for the first time in New York. The orchestral piece has been written by Wynton Marsalis and HK Gruber’s new Piano Concerto is also coming up. Apart from this, the Fourth Violin Concerto by Lera Auerbach is also scheduled.
The 25th anniversary of the music director David Alan Miller of the Albany symphony is scheduled and there is going to be three world premieres of this. A new orchestral work by the composer Conor Brown from Colorado is happening.
Starting his fifth season, Philadelphia Orchestra’s music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin is all set for the world premiere of the Organ Concerto by Christopher Rouse with soloist Paul Jacobs.
Get ready to experience some great music this music season.
August 6, 2015
Artist Amjad Sabri was shot dead in Karachi by two men who were on a motorbike. Many fans are shocked and some are angry. Even after a month since this incident took place, people have not recovered from the emptiness that has surrounded since Amjad’s death. His elder brother whose name is Sarwat hopes that the police get their hands on the culprits very soon.
Amjad was a master in Qawwali which is a devotional music style that is related to Sufism. Sufism is one of the mystical Islam followings that is deeply connected with music. Amjad was a great performer in this legendary art. Visitors are still following his home for paying condolences. The family has dedicated an entire wall with a portrait of Amjad’s father who was also a Qawwali singer.
Amjad’s brother and Talha Fareed who has performed with Amjad says that he was almost like his father and that his presence could still be felt.
We’re met by Amjad’s brothers, along with Fareed, who performed alongside Amjad for many years. Friends and family from worldwide have come to pay their tributes to him. Loved by so many people, it is indeed surprising that the singer has to meet his fate this way.
Who would have killed Amjad still remains a question? It could be the Taliban. For many years, they have fought a war against music. They have burned down many CD shops and have attacked musicians in the past. When Amjad was shot dead, A smaller group of Taliban terrorists took responsibility.
Amjad’s house might be mourning now. But their love for Qawwali keeps growing. Even as the conversation is happening about his death and the impact of his death on their lives, the family begins a song. Amjad’s uncle, younger brother and uncle join together and sing these songs. All of Amjad’s sons and nephews are learning Qawwali.
This is their way of paying tribute to one of the best Qawwali singers in the country.
