KATHMANDU:

Music does transcend all boundaries and the charity concert held at the Embassy of Japan on August 21 was proof of this. Nepali and Japanese musicians gathered on one stage to enthrall an audience mostly comprising the visually impaired. The highlight of the evening was a performance by Kohshi Kishita, an 18-year-old visually challenged singer and musician from Japan. His strong voice and his flair at playing the piano won Kishita many fans.

The enthusiasm with which the audience greeted each song was truly remarkable. Perhaps this was what egged the singers and performers to do their best. And Komal Oli, of course, did not disappoint anyone. Greeted with whistles and cheers, Oli surprised everyone when she sang a few lines in Japanese.

Then Kishita came on stage. “Namaste, malai Nepal ma aayera dherai khushi lagyo (I am very happy to be in Nepal),” he said before beginning his performance with Amazing Grace. His repertoire for the evening comprised numbers like Bridge over troubled waters, Yesterday, and traditional Japanese songs. His last performance Let it be with Preeti Kaur was well received.

The programme ended with the popular Nepali song Resham phiriri and anyone interested was invited to come on stage.