- by Afroz Taj On Saturday, April 21, Dr. Brian Silver, the Director of the Urdu Service of Voice of America, was the special guest speaker at Urdu Majlis. By haunting candlelight Dr. Silver gave a fascinating presentation on the stylistic aspects of Mirza Ghalib, illustrated by readings from Ghalib in Urdu as well as a wide range of translations by English poets. In the second half of the program, he demonstrated Ghalib's depth by comparing two very different renditions of the same ghazal by Begum Akhtar. This event was very well attended and the Urdu Majlis volunteers provided a delicious dinner as always. On the following day, April 22, Dr. Silver, who is an acclaimed sitar player himself, hosted a classical dhrupad performance by his talented wife, Ms. Shubha Shankaran on the surbahar. Urdu Majlis is looking forward to have such distinguished guest speakers in the future. |
