The magic of classical music came alive at the 15th edition of the Tehzeeb Festival 2025. It opened on a high note at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) on Saturday. The festival offered audiences a rich evening of classical music and soulful performances in Karachi. It’s moments like these that showcase the magic of classical music at such renowned festivals. The magic of classical music at Tehzeeb Festival 2025 in Karachi was truly undeniable.
Organized in collaboration with the Tehzeeb Foundation, the two-day festival is hosted at Zia Mohyeddin Theatre. It attracts large crowds of classical music enthusiasts eager to witness the magic at the Tehzeeb Festival in 2025. The magic of classical music at Tehzeeb Festival 2025 in Karachi draws people from different walks of life.
The festival’s opening night featured a captivating performance by visually-impaired Pakistani vocalist Mehak Rashid. She enchanted the audience with a Khayal thumri while skillfully playing the tanpura. Her emotional depth and technical mastery earned her a standing ovation. This marked a memorable start to a festival celebrating the magic of classical music in Karachi.
Adding an international touch, Bangladeshi vocalist Niloy Ahsan Zulqarnain impressed the audience with his powerful Dhrupad renditions. He blended traditional classical elements with contemporary appeal. His performance stood out amidst a line-up of celebrated Pakistani maestros, manifesting the magic of classical performances.
Innovation was the highlight as Ustad Mumtaz Ali Sabzal presented a unique fusion of classical ragas with Balochi folk music on the banjo. This offered a fresh interpretation of Raag Des. Meanwhile, Ahmed Raza Khan from Rahim Yar Khan delivered exquisite Khayal and Multani Kafi performances. He earned warm applause from the audience and reinforced the festival’s reputation for magic in classical music.
The festival also honored legends of classical music. Renowned tabla player Haroon Samuel performed a heartfelt solo tribute to the late Ustad Umar Hayat Khan of the Punjab Gharana. His performance left a lasting impression on attendees at the festival in Karachi.
On Sunday, the festival will continue with more classical gems. It will feature raags such as Malkauns, Bageshri, Marwa, Darbari, and Ghazals. Headlining the finale are celebrated artists including Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Izzat Fateh Ali Khan, and India’s Meeta Pandit. Their performances add to the anticipation of the music magic. The magic of classical music at Tehzeeb Festival 2025 in Karachi is amplified with such stellar performances.
Sharif Awan, founder of Tehzeeb Foundation, highlighted that the festival celebrates the subcontinent’s ustad-shagird (master-disciple) tradition. “Just as a chef blends spices to create a dish, raags are crafted with care and experience,” he said. He remembered legendary tabla maestros Ustad Umar Hayat Khan and the late Ustad Bashir Khan, reflecting on the impact of classical music magic.
Festival host Kaif Ghaznavi emphasized the foundation’s 18-year mission to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. They provide emerging musicians and singers with a prominent platform. This illustrates the ongoing journey of magic that classical music brings to the Tehzeeb Festival.
Supported by the Sindh government and private sponsors, the Tehzeeb Festival has been celebrating life through literature, fine arts, and classical music since 2009. Organizers expressed gratitude to sponsors for their support. They noted that each artist brings unique passion and flair. This promises audiences an unforgettable experience with the magic of classical performances at the event.