“The Splendor of Islamic Art” concluded with a crowd-pleasing concert by Afghan musician Homayun Sakhi, recognized as one of the world’s most accomplished players of a stringed instrument called the rubâb.  The rubâb comes in many shapes and sizes and is known, sometimes by slightly different names, throughout the Muslim world.  Musicians often use the instrument when reciting histories.

Sakhi, who grew up in Kabul but fled with his family to Pakistan to escape the Soviet invasion, now lives in Fremont, California, the American city with the largest population of Afghans.  Accompanied by Toryalai Hashimi on the tabla (hand drums), Sakhi delighted the audience with his playing of the short-necked lute.  The energetic selection of Afghan folk music, and conversation-like exchange between the rubâb and the tabla, had the audience clapping and whistling, culminating in a standing ovation. 

The varied program was a celebration of Islamic culture sponsored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.  The Trust for Culture is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of private, nondenominational agencies working to improve life for people in the poorest parts of the developing world.  The Aga Khan, who leads the network, is the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. (See related article).

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