The Mehfil e Sitar at the NCA Triennale unfolded as an evening of measured elegance in the Shakir Ali Auditorium, where each performance carried a quiet reverence and showcased the emotive power of South Asian classical music. The programme highlighted the discipline and depth that define the genre, offering Islamabad audiences a sustained listening experience rich in nuance and resonance.
Mohammad Abbas Assani opened in collaboration with Sabaz Ali Khan on tabla, setting a contemplative tone that was followed by Beena Raza whose recital was deepened by the rhythmic support of Shabbir Hussain Jhari. Later, Ayaan Saqib and Irfan Haider created a delicate interplay between melody and tala, and Ustad Farhan Khan delivered a soulful segment once again accompanied by Shabbir Hussain Jhari.
The evening reached a powerful close when Ustad Ashraf Sharif Khan joined forces with Irfan Haider and Sabaz Ali Khan, bringing the mehfil to a captivating finale. Throughout the night the Mehfil e Sitar demonstrated how tradition and sustained artistry continue to resonate in contemporary cultural spaces, reinforcing Islamabad’s role as a stage for classical music within the NCA Triennale framework.
