Tuesday 13 December 2005

As winter tightens its grip on the region struck by the recent earthquake in Pakistan with 75,000+ fatalities recorded and several million families displaced, Asia House and the Asian Music Circuit, in association with the Pakistan Britain Trade & Investment Forum (PBTIF), present a major Pakistan Earthquake Appeal concert and dazzling fashion show at London 's Royal Albert Hall.

Up to 5,000 tickets will be available from £10-£35 for this unique opportunity to hear music by world class South Asian musicians and see the latest designs by high street fashion retailer Monsoon in a glamorous catwalk show with Liza B, model and actress. The event is also supported by Nina Wadia, actress and star of ‘Goodness Gracious Me'. The Pakistan High Commissioner, Her Excellency Maleeha Lodhi, has pledged her support and a distinguished guest list from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business, culture and media celebrities will also be involved.

Television presenter Michael Palin says, “ Having seen and admired the tenacious way of life and whole-hearted hospitality of the mountain people of Pakistan , I urge you to join me in giving continued support to the earthquake relief effort”.

Stefan Kosciuszko, Chief Executive of Asia House and Viram Jasani of Asian Music Circuit say, “We are delighted to work with the Pakistan High Commission, the PBTIF, The Monsoon Trust and all of the Indian and Pakistani artists and sponsors to stage this vibrant event combining business and culture. Please join us and show a meaningful demonstration of UK public support and sympathy to the people of Pakistan .”

All net proceeds will be equally donated to The President's Fund, Islamic Relief, Learning for Life and the Eidhi Foundation.

Musicians include:

Ghulam Ali – one of the world's most influential ghazal singers

Nizami Brothers and Taufiq Niazi – this qawwali group from Old Delhi perform songs in the traditional classical style accompanied by harmonium, tabla and dhol. Qawwali has its origins in the songs of praise of Sufiism

GARAJ – Waseem Niaz, Imran Ahmed and Karam Abbas fuse classical Pakistani sound with Western music

Sajjad Ali – and his Crazy Band – sings and plays contemporary Pakistani classical and pop music

Gauri Sharma and her group perform an innovative interpretation of the ancient Indian kathak dance form

Tuesday 13 December 2005, 7.15pm

Royal Albert Hall, (address)

Box office 020 7589 8212, www.royalalberthall.com

Tickets £10 - £35

For further press information and images please contact Lucy Wilson, Theresa Simon Communications 020 7629 9645 lucy@theresasimon.com or Natasha Singh, Sterling Media 020 7801 0077

Asia House promotes understanding of Asian cultures, economies and societies from its new public headquarters at 63 New Cavendish Street , London W1. For further information on Asia House please contact Helen Whiteoak or Natasha Aziz 020 7307 5454

The Asian Music Circuit is the UK 's leading company promoting the music of Asia alongside an exciting education programme across Britain . For further information on Asian Music Circuit please contact Elie Gussman 020 8742 9911