Pakistan-Netherlands cultural exchange culminates in spectacular musical event
The Embassy of the Netherlands on Friday together with Rung School of Music and Arts, hosted a grand musical event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), marking the successful conclusion of a vibrant series of cultural exchange activities between Pakistan and the Netherlands.
The event showcased the power of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding between Pakistan and the Netherlands.
The concert featured renowned Dutch artists Eva Aukes and Manuel Visser, alongside talented Pakistani musicians Mr. WajihNizami and Irfan Khan.
Performance of the popular eastern and the western tracks, folk and pop music had a surreal effect on the audience and they gave a standing ovation to the artists.
The performance was in fact, culmination of weeks of workshops and performances at universities in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, specifically targeting Pakistani youth to engage them in cross-cultural dialogue through musThe initiative aimed to foster understanding and nurture artistic talent among young Pakistanis, recognizing their vital role in shaping the future of cultural exchange.
Henny de Vries, Ambassador of the Netherlands expressed her delight at the success of the programme stating “Music knows no boundaries and brings us together in ways that words sometimes can’t. We are proud to support this initiative, recognizing the power of music to surpass borders and unite people.”
WajihNizami from Rung School of Arts hailed the event as “a very important step” towards harmony between the two nations. He emphasized the significance of providing Pakistani youth with opportunities to interact with and learn from Dutch musicians, fostering a deeper understanding of different cultures. Dutch violinist Manuel Visser shared his experience, saying, “It has been a wonderful experience to be in Pakistan. We learned in the Netherlands that music is a universal language, but here, we have been able to practically realize that power of music while connecting with young talents.”
Guitarist Eva Aukes expressed her gratitude for being part of the project, stating, “It has been a great pleasure and honor to be part of this initiative aimed at creating a friendly environment between Dutch and Pakistani nations through music. Engaging with youth has been particularly rewarding.”
