Farida Parveen makes waves in Paris

Farida Parveen. PHOTO: STAR

This was the first time a Bangladeshi artiste received the rare opportunity to perform at Théâtre de la Ville. Legendary artistes such as Ustad Nusrat fateh Ali Khan had performed at the theatre. Regarding her experience, Parveen says, "It was amazing. I was astounded particularly by the fact that I didn't have to narrate the meaning or the mystic aspect of Lalon's songs to the audience. They had done their homework. They are aware of Sufism, Lalon's message of peace and divine love; they've even read about my background prior to attending the concert.

"Performing to an audience of 1000 who don't speak Bangla, yet apparently can grasp the blissful mysticism Lalon's songs exude, was a dream come true."

Pierre-Alain Baud, a French researcher deserves applause for his endeavors to familiarise subcontinental Sufi music to the sophisticated French music aficionados. Baud has travelled to the mazaars and shrines in distant corners of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and has been spellbound by the songs (mainly Sufi music) the faqirs and devotees at the sites sing with innate ardor.

Baud has been corresponding with Parveen for over a year and was eager to arrange a live performance by the Lalon singer in Paris. Eventually with the help of the French government, the concert was organised.

Along with Parveen, noted flutist Gazi Abdul Hakim, Tabla player Bishwajit Sarkar, Dotara artiste Sheikh Jalaluddin and Dhol player ASM Reza performed at the concert.

Ustad Shafi Mohammad Faqir of Pakistan will perform Sufi music of Sindh at Théâtre de la Ville in the next few days, following Parveen's concert.