AGA KHAN INITIATIVE TO PRESERVE MUSIC - 2003-05-06

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan: Following critically acclaimed concerts in North America and Europe, Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble brought their unique fusion of ancient Silk road traditions and western classical music to the heart of the Silk road: in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 'For many years, I have felt that traditional music played such a critical role in the cultures of Central Asia that it deserved attention and assistance,' Prince Karim Aga Khan remarked. 'The need became all the more apparent after the countries of the region achieved independence and began the process of redefining themselves. For the new countries of Central Asia, the inherent pluralism of their societies can be an asset rather than a liability.'