ISLAMABAD – On the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day (March 23, 2026), the Embassy of Romania in Islamabad has officially announced a landmark cultural milestone: the launch of the first-ever choral arrangement and professional musical score of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s national anthem, "Qaumi Tarana."
This unique initiative was brought to life by the world-renowned National Chamber Choir “Madrigal – Marin Constantin” of Romania. Realized with the full support of the Romanian Embassy, the project serves as a profound tribute to the resilience and heritage of the Pakistani people.
Evolution of a National Treasure: 1949–2026
The original music for the anthem was composed in 1949 by Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla, with the poetic lyrics written in 1952 by Hafeez Jalandhari. While the anthem was first recorded in 1955 by eleven elite Pakistani singers, this new Romanian production offers a modern polyphonic interpretation, marking a new chapter in the anthem's international musicological history.
Masterful Craftsmanship and Technical Challenges
Transforming an orchestral masterpiece into a choral performance presented significant musical hurdles. The arrangement features several sophisticated elements:
Vocal Distribution: The melody is meticulously divided into Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass (SATB) parts.
Complex Harmony: The choir successfully translated 38 distinct tones originally written for 21 instruments into pure human vocalization.
Linguistic Precision: Members of the Madrigal Choir underwent intensive training to master the correct pronunciation of the Persian-influenced Urdu lyrics.
A Diplomatic Presentation to National Leadership
Dr. Dan Stoenescu, the Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, confirmed that the official album and the newly drafted choral score are being presented to Pakistan's top civil and military leadership, including:
President Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir
Ambassador Stoenescu remarked, "This project will forever link our two nations. For the first time, a professional choral score of 'Qaumi Tarana' is available to the world, symbolizing our shared values of friendship, respect, and artistic excellence."
The "Madrigal" Legacy and Global Diplomacy
Founded in 1963, the Madrigal – Marin Constantin Choir is a global icon of choral music and cultural diplomacy. This performance is a centerpiece of their “Diplomacy – The Anthems of the World” program, which uses the universal language of music to bridge geographical divides and foster international dialogue.
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