The Award in Performance is conferred in recognition of high distinction and innovation in the performance of a traditional or tradition-based genre, style, or repertoire.

The Awards Master Jury had selected 14 outstanding finalists from the initial group of nominees, who were invited to visit Lisbon to perform before a live audience. The objective of today’s performance was to share the musical qualities that distinguish them as leading performers in their respective artistic domains, and that reflect their connection to the musical and cultural heritage of societies in which Muslims have a significant presence.

The 14 finalists hail from a number of countries across the Middle East and Asia, including Iran, Turkey, Palestine, Lebanon, India, and Pakistan.

While introducing the finalists, the BBC’s Lopa Kothari spoke about the nuances of live music, saying that “performance is about not just a technical texture, but about the way their music connects with you, with your emotions, your spirituality, and also with your neighbour, and the artist themselves.”

At the conclusion of the final performance, the Master Jury convened to select a winner, which will be announced at the Gala Concert and Prize-Giving Ceremony to be held tomorrow. The event will be available to view at 5 PM GMT+1 at the.ismaili/live.

Finalists for the 2019 Aga Khan Music Award in Performance include Ahmad Al Khatib, Shahou Andalibi, Huda Asfour, Nai Barghouti, Sougata Roy Chowdhury, Burak Kaynarca, Ejaz Sher Ali Khan, Asin Khan Langa, Arash Mohafez, Abeer Nehme, Mohamad Osman, Reza Parvizade, Mustafa Said, and Nasim Siabishahrivar.