Pakistan has produced its fair share of Sufi singers who are spread throughout the region and have been imparting the lessons of mystic saints.
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Instep traces the story of the Sufi Opera singer who has merged the teachings of mystical saints with her blend of music.
Pakistan has produced its fair share of Sufi singers who are spread throughout the region and have been imparting the lessons of mystic saints.
The term, ‘Sufi opera’, on the other hand, will hardly register at first because it sounds so very mysterious. However, there is one person who has managed to blend the two forms and is taking that concoction to the world.
The artist is Saira Peter who has the honour of being Pakistan’s first and only ‘Operatic’ singer. Merging the teaching of Sufi saints who have passed through this land, she began with the teachings of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and has never looked back. Her mission is to share the message of peace embedded in these verses globally and particularly with the West.
At her concerts she regularly performs spiritual songs. And, as Saira continues to introduce Sufi values to the West, her vision has taken another giant leap having been offered a chance to join the classical singing group, All Souls Choir.
Based in the United Kingdom, it is a renowned group and will allow Peter to introduce the kalam of Latif and other great Sufi poets in English for the first time.
Formed in 1972, the prestigious ‘All Souls’ group is based near London’s landmark Oxford Circus and is next door to BBC Broadcasting House, with the latter frequently broadcasting live performances straight from All Souls’ headquarters.
The head of All Souls is officially appointed at Downing Street and also acts as personal Chaplain to the Queen. The orchestra is known to have accompanied stars such as Sir Cliff Richard and also holds the honour of performing regularly at some of the country’s most celebrated venues including the Royal Albert Hall.
Peter, who joined the ranks of Shah Latif Foundation as a board director, with determination and a strong work-ethic, first polished her opera skills. She then adopted verses from Latif’s poetry in harmonious fashion leading to a blend of music that helped in establishing her identity as a Sufi Opera singer.
What also works in her favour is that the Western world is already familiar with Opera including the awareness that it is ultimately a search for the eternal truth.
At a moment in time when there are many misgivings about Pakistan’s core values, this kind of interpretation will go a long way in establishing a counter narrative.
Her musical presentations have propelled audiences throughout England and other parts of the Western world, to remark that their perception of Pakistan has shifted. The former is also the result of the amount of engagement that Peter brings to the table. Most of all, she is an artist who has profound respect for other artists and also believes in the spirit of collaboration. For example, she once performed a duet of Shah Latif’s kalam in English with West End star Michael Rouse at London’s City Hall.
Maltese portrait artist Filippa personally sought Peter out after being inspired by her work. Apex TV London recently aired an exclusive interview with the artist on the theme of spirituality in music, with a strong focus on Sufi Opera.
In June of this year, Peter will join world-renowned opera star Joseph Calleja and a host of other Western celebrity guests at a ritzy charity dinner gala, which is scheduled to take place at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. It will present another opportunity to Peter to make ‘Sufi Opera’ known to and movers and shakers of the music industry.
Peter is also not unfamiliar with ‘All Souls’ since she performed under the directorship of their founder, Dr Neil Treddnick, at Cape Town in 2010.
Peter is also the recipient of the the blessings of Syed Waqar Hussain Shah, custodian of Shah Latif Shrine, for her new endeavour with ‘All Souls’.
Armed with such skill, it is no surprise that in the United Kingdom, Peter’s efforts to lift up Pakistan have been commended and encouraged by the High Commission for Pakistan as well as notable others.
