Mehdi Hasan receives Rs1m from President

Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan was presented with a cheque for Rs 1 Million on behalf of the President of Pakistan, General Parvez Musharraf on 27th January 2003 in recognition of his contribution to music. Presidential spokesman Maj-Gen. Rashid Qureshi visited the residence of the maestro in Karachi and communicated good wishes on behalf of the President. Presenting the cheque, Rashid Qureshi said the maestro was a national asset who had made significant contributions to the melodic culture of the subcontinent.

Mehdi Hassan

Rustam Ali Khan to tour Europe in April 2003

Talented vocalist of the Patiala gharana, Rustam Ali Khan will be touring Europe in April 2003. Rustam is the son and disciple of Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and is regarded as one of the finest vocalists amongst the younger generation. He has received national acclaim for his renditions of khayal and thumri and represented Pakistan on cultural delegations to India, South East Asia and Europe. Any individuals or organisations interested in arranging concerts can contact Saqib Razaq on info@sadarang.com

 Rustam Ali Khan 

Pakistani classical music concert 

Shafqat Ali Khan will present a concert of classical music in San Francisco on Sunday, 26th January 2003 at 5:00pm. Accompaniment on the tabla is provided by Ferhan Najeeb Qureshi. The concert will take place at 2852 25th St. on the corner of Hampshire, San Francisco. For further information please contact Deirdre (415)970-8837 or Michael (415)647-9194.

On Saturday, February 1, at 8:00 pm, Shafqat will perform a musical evening of sufi music, ghazals and classical ragas at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Berkeley at 8.00 p.m.

The death of Ustad Akhtar Hussain Khan Sheranwale

Classical tabla playing in Pakistan suffered a tremendous loss by the recent death of Ustad Akhtar Hussain Khan Sheranwale at the age of 70. The ustad was the disciple of Punjab gharana's Ustad Allah Ditta Khan and was widely respected for his knowledge and skill of accompaniment to classical vocal music. He was one of the few tabla players who had received the prestigious "Pride of Performance" Medal from the Government of Pakistan in 1998. Ustad Akhtar Hussain Khan was associated with the National Radio and Television stations and regularly seen performing on the classical music programme "Raag Rang". May his soul rest in peace.

     Ustad Akhtar        Hussain  Khan 

Amjad Amanat Ali Khan passes away

Patiala gharana vocalist Amjad Amanat Ali Khan passed away in Lahore during the month of Ramzan (November 2002). Amjad was the eldest son of the illustrious Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and was trained by his grandfather Ustad Akhtar Hussain Khan and uncle Ustad Fateh Ali Khan. Following the death of his father, Amjad Amanat Ali Khan provided vocal accompaniment to Ustad Fateh Ali Khan on a regular basis. His style of performance mirrored that of his late father and was appreciated by the followers of Ustad Amanat Ali Khan. May the Almighty bless his soul and give courage to his family to overcome this loss.

  Amjad Amanat Ali Khan

    1954-2002

Sadarang Archives planning on a discography of published LPs of classical music

We are currently in the process of compiling a discography of classical music released by Pakistani record labels. We would highly appreciate if our readers could assist us in this matter and submit a list of recordings released by companies such as Lok Virsa and EMI Pakistan. Please contact info@sadarang.com for further information.