Song of Lahore

SONG OF LAHORE
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Andy Schocken

Feb 9, 2016
BEAHIVE

When Pakistan won its independence in 1947, Lahore was known as a haven for musicians, artists and poets. But Islamization, ethnic divisions, war and corruption have torn apart the country’s cultural fabric. In 2004, Izzat Majeed founded Sachal Studios to create a space for traditional music; after convincing a number of musicians to pick up their instruments, the band quietly released classical and folk albums, along with an experimental album fusing jazz and South Asian instruments that has brought Sachal global acclaim. Their rendition of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” became a sensation and Wynton Marsalis invited them to perform at Lincoln Center. After a week of rehearsals fusing the orchestras from Lahore and New York, the musicians took the stage for a remarkable concert. Q&A with co-director Andy Schocken followed the screening.