Dhaka Music Conservatory is a wing of Centre for Asian Art and Culture (CAAC). "When we formed the organisation six years ago, the emphasis was on western music -- including piano, cello, violin and more," said Zahirul Islam, president of CAAC. He added, "Dhaka Music Conservatory intends to provide a platform for music enthusiasts with varied interests."

Veteran artiste Runa Laila, part of the audience, seemed to be an ardent fan of Zubayeer. The diva said, "I was watching this TV show recently and it featured a song by Zubayeer. I was so impressed that I called him up and admired his singing. I'm looking forward to a great show."

The first session of the programme featured violin and guitar recitals by students of Dhaka Music Conservatory. A guitar solo by Muktadir Hossain received a warm response from the audience.

Zubayeer, who is currently the director of Dhaka Music Conservatory, started with humming a few lines of Bondhu kon alo laglo chokhey. The evening was a "jalsa" in all essence. In between songs the artiste shared his experiences and his attachments to each composition. Zubayeer rendered a thumri of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. The artiste had the opportunity to receive "taalim" in Indian classical music under the supervision of Ustad Mazhar Ali Khan and Ustad Jawaad Ali Khan (grandsons of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan) in Delhi.

A rendition of the Mirza Ghalib classic Aahko chahiye followed. The singer performed the ghazal in a style that was popular in the '30s. The verses were penned by Ghalib when he was still going by the name "Asad".

Yeh dhua kahaanse uthta hain, composed by Mir Taqi Mir and popularised by Mehdi Hasan, was next. The artiste also sang Aye husn beparwa tujhey and Ab tho aao saajna.

Zubayeer performed familiar adhunik songs including Ami roye jabo shekhaney, Eito shedin tumi, Modhu lagan-o boye jaye. After repeated requests from the audience, the singer started rendering his own compositions -- Jodi bolo, Aaj amar mon bhalo nei, Shurer jadukar, Neelakash kalo holey and Ajossro kobita -- from his last two albums Nirjon Shakkhor (2003) and Ajossro Kobita (2006). A Nazrul Sangeet, Jobey Tulshitolaye, certainly made the repertoire intriguing.

The evening wrapped up with renditions of Chupke chupke, a popular Ghulam Ali ghazal, and Mujhey tum nazarse.

Radio Today was the media partner and Creatas was in charge of event management.