he Alhamra recently initiated a programme called the Voice of Punjab to supportbudding talent from across the province.

Over the course of a week, a series of programmes were held on a number of days, spread over various stages, shortlisting the talent. It had been formatted in the shape of a competition so that there was a greater edge attached to it than in a regular programme.

Alhamra has been holding various programmes for the youth in the past - theatre, music, fine arts - and these have had a positive fallout; providing a focal point to many youngsters and the promising prospect of gearing up for a show. The deadline does have a positive ring to it as it spruces up the performance billed as the finale.

The upper age limitfor the contestants was fixed at 35, so it was not only meant to be for the budding talent but also for those who have matured in the desire to be recognised and acknowledged. Providing a platform as important as Alhamra for such activities is exactly what the primary purpose of this institution is.It has done well in the decades of its existence.

There is talent scattered all over, in pockets and in patches, and there is a need to bring it at one point and make it feel that what they are doing is having an impact;that the people are listening to it and it is being appreciated.

Being state-funded, the primary objective of Alhamra should be to look for and promote talent and forms of expression that are not valued so much in the market. The commercial interest and the manipulation of taste have been a primary concern.This has placed the traditional forms of singing on the backburner.

The nurseries of music have been the homes of hereditary musicians and they are “seekhayseekhai.” It is then up to them to make their mark and that really is dependent on the infusion of creativity that they are able to express and colour their work with.

This institution, once very strong, is bending under pressure and weight of changing times.The society is becoming more open and moving away from the hereditary professions. In the age of more democratic credentials it is now assumed that every person can do what he sets out to, providedthat the opportunities are extended and there is a level playing field. Mostly institutions in the state sector were established to minimise the discrepancies that exist and to create opportunities for many more from diverse backgrounds.

There are many aspiring, ambitious young people who want to make a mark but do not find the opportunity.It should be admitted that in a society that is so uneven, a level playing field is hardly the thing to expect. There are mediated levels where various pressures and influences operate to taint the openness of the exercise. It is perhaps idealistic to assume that the there is a level playing field.What can be done nonetheless is to remove some of the roadblocks on the way.

Alhamra also offers music classes, as indeed training in other art forms.It appears that the rigour that is required for mastering the craft is not the mandate of thechosen few. The participants come driven by a desire to test themselves against the patience and the rigour involved.If they want to pursue it further,they can do so in a more specialised institution. If this is the purpose, then Alhamra has introduced quite a few artistes and they have become aware of the challenges involved.They can pursue their interest at a more serious level in institutions meant for this purpose.

Alhamra should be felicitated for this effort.It did require plenty of planning and spadework to spot the talent and to get it across. The talent was recognised and lauded with the hope that it will not rest on its laurels but will nurture theinterest to a higher level and pursue it further. If this happens even in a few cases, the effort of Alhamra would have been well rewarded.

The writer is a culture critic based in Lahore.