RAWALPINDI: Folk singers and musicians enthralled the audience at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Sunday with their outstanding rendition of soulful Sufi, classical and folk music.

The captivating event began on a melodious note with a vibrant performance by classical singer Ghulam Abbas Farasat. He opened with an Alaap in Teentaal set to Raag Megh, skillfully immersing the audience in its soulful cadence before transitioning into a repertoire of other enchanting ragas.

Ghulam Abbas paid rich tributes to legendary singers of Pakistan.

Ali Imran Shaukat Ali, son of renowned folksinger Shaukat Ali Khan energise d the participants with evergreen melodies of his father following Ghulam Abbas` lead.

He started off with the famous folk song `Kiu door door renday ho hazoor saday kolon` and paid tribute to his father by singing `Maan janaat da parchawan`. Ali Imran then presented Sufiana Kalam of revered Sufi saints of the Subcontinent, receiving a stand-ing ovation.

Cherished folk singers Nazig Hussain and Iram Abbasi captivated the audience with the folk music of the Potohar region.

A poetry competition between Naziq Hussain and Iram Abbasi was also part of the event.

The artists recited poetry to the tunes of traditional musical instruments like Sitar, Ghara, Dholak and harmonium.

The event featured musicians like Tabla player Samuel, Dholak master Salman and harmonium player Master Ishaq.

Talking to Dawn, RAC Director Sajjad Hussain said RAC was working to promote art and culture in the region and the event was a continuation of similar efforts.

He said folk music had no parallels and poetry recitation was a revered form of artistic expression in the Potohar.

He said it was among the responsibilities of the arts council to provide a conducive platform to local artists.

The official said the council was striving to encourage various forms of art to foster creativity. Staff Reporter