Pierre Seillan, consul general of France in Karachi is organising a series of charity opera performances on November 1st, 2nd and 3rd to generate aids for Al-Mehrab Tibbi Imdad's (AMTI) hospice for terminally ill cancer patient.
The 25-beds, custom-built hospice constructed with French assistance and managed by a group of dedicated women led by Former Justice Majida Rizvi and Mrs Oofi Khan is providing free medical aid and shelter to poor cancer patient to alleviate their suffering and bring a meaningful change in their lives.
Since 1999, successive French consuls generals in Karachi, including the incumbent, Pierre Seiflan, have raised more than Rs 18 million for the project which has become an enduring symbol of Franco-Pakistani co-operation and friendship. To raise more funds for this noble cause, this year, internationally acclaimed ten-member French opera ensemble (Chants de Garonne) will fuse their voices with the local classical music troupe "Karachi Vocal Ensemble" to interpret the finales of Mozart's masterpieces, "The Magic Flute", "Don Giovanni", "Cosi Fan Tutte" and the "Wedding of Figaro".
The ensemble which has performed in more than 30 countries is no stranger to Karachi. Last year, at the Hamara Karachi festival organised by the City District Government to celebrate the platinum jubilee of the KMC Building, it mesmerised discerning opera connoisseurs by scintillating renderings of the works of great masters and won spontaneous standing ovation.-PR