ISLAMABAD: To celebrate Pakistan`s rich cultural heritage, an evening of folk music was arranged at a local hotel on Sunday.

The event `Mountain melodies: a tribute to Pakistan`s folk music and heritage` honoured the country`s vibrant traditions through soul-stirring performances that highlighted the depth and diversity of Pakistan`s musical legacy.

The evening featured a lineup of celebrated artists, including Dr Masuma, Ustad Noor Bakhsh, Ustad Doshambay, and talented students from the Leif Larsen Music Centre. Their live performances, brimming with passion and artistry transported the audience into the heart of Pakistan`s cultural identity, leaving them spellbound.

Serena Hotels in collaboration with Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan and the Aga Khan Foundation hosted the event.

The organisers said the centerpiece of the evening was the Leif Larsen Music Centre, a pivotal institution established in April 2011, at the historic Altit Fort. This centre has become a cornerstone in the revival and preservation of the region`s folk music, offering a platform for traditional musicians from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral to mentor young talents. By nurturing these diverse musical traditions, the centre ensured that the heritage of mountain music was passed on to future generations.

Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas attended the event as chief guest. In his address, Ambassador Ilsaas underscored the role of cultural initiatives in fostering mutual understanding and connecting communities.

Praising the collaboration among Serena Hotels, Aga Khan Cultural Services and the Aga Khan Foundation, he lauded the event as a powerful example of how cultural exchange could celebrate diversity, preserve heritage,and strengtheninternationalbonds.

`Music is a universal language; one that transcends borders and unites people,` said the ambassador.

Serena Hotels said it continued to make efforts in promoting Pakistan`s cultural richness through initiatives such as the Satrang Art Gallery, which showcased contemporary art, crafts festivals that supported local artisans, and Sarangi, a musical platform dedicated to traditional music. `These projects reflect Serena Hotels` efforts to preserving and celebrating cultural traditions while fostering dialogue and artistic collaboration both within Pakistan and beyond.

The evening was a harmonious testament to the enduring beauty of Pakistan`s cultural heritage and its ability to bring people together through the universal language of music.