Islamabad 2 December 2023 (Adnan Hameed): Renowned soprano Saira Peter, hailed as Pakistan’s first Sufi Opera singer, captivated the audience with her enchanting voice during a musical evening at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The event, graced by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah as the chief guest, drew attendance from prominent government officials, diplomats, and a large audience. In his opening remarks, Director General PNCA Muhammad Ayuob Jamali warmly welcomed the guests to the PNCA Auditorium.
Federal Minister Jamal Shah praised Saira Peter’s performance, acknowledging her as a highly accomplished singer. The musical journey, initiated by Saira and her husband, music director Stephen Smith, commenced with a classical opera that received resounding applause. Saira seamlessly transitioned into Sufi Kalam, showcasing her versatility.
Saira Peter, recognized as the world’s first Sufi opera singer, garnered an overwhelming response in the jam-packed PNCA Auditorium. Her repertoire encompassed opera, classical songs, Urdu, Pashtu, ‘thumri,’ ‘ghazals,’ film, Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi songs, and a special Arabic performance.
Throughout the concert, Saira Peter engaged in a lively interaction with her enthusiastic audience. Expressing her love for the music of her homeland, she extended gratitude to PNCA for the honor bestowed upon her.
Passionate about uniting diverse backgrounds through music, Saira Peter sees music as a historical means of promoting a positive message. Currently collaborating with a team of British artists, she aims to develop the world’s first full-scale “Sufi Opera,” based on the story of Umar Marvi, one of Latif’s “seven heroines” of Sindh.
A trailblazer in the fusion of qawwali genres, Saira Peter seamlessly blends Western operatic and South Asian classical singing styles. Her commitment to bringing Sufi peace poetry to the global stage marks a significant contribution to the world of music.
