Romania unveils choral Pakistan national anthem for Pakistan Day

In a landmark cultural gesture celebrating Pakistan Day, the Embassy of Romania in Islamabad has officially unveiled the world’s first choral arrangement and professionally prepared choral score of Pakistan’s national anthem, the Qaumi Tarāna.

The project was realised by Romania’s National Chamber Choir “Madrigal – Marin Constantin”, highlighting Pakistan’s rich musical heritage while symbolising the growing cultural ties between the two countries.

Part of the choir’s broader initiative, Diplomacy – The Anthems of the World, the new arrangement reimagines the Qaumi Tarāna, originally composed for orchestra, for a polyphonic choir. The piece is skillfully divided across soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices, preserving the solemnity and complexity of the original composition.

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Composed in 1949 by Ahmed Ghulam Ali Chagla, with lyrics by celebrated Urdu poet Hafeez Jalandhari in 1952, the anthem was first broadcast on Radio Pakistan on August 13, 1954. Its first multi-voice recording was performed in 1955 by eleven prominent Pakistani singers.

The Madrigal Choir’s choral interpretation builds on this historic tradition, offering a refined rendition that emphasizes the anthem’s expressive depth. The transformation from orchestral to choral performance presented significant challenges: the original composition spans 38 distinct tones across 21 instruments and features continuously evolving musical phrases without repetition. In addition, the highly Persianized Urdu lyrics required careful articulation and coordinated pronunciation. Through meticulous preparation, the choir successfully converted these orchestral elements into harmonious, singable vocal lines, creating a performance that both honors the anthem’s integrity and showcases the power of collective choral expression.

Romania’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Dan Stoenescu, described the project as a historic achievement that for the first time provides Pakistan with a dedicated choral arrangement and score for its national anthem. He emphasized that the initiative exemplifies the role of culture and music in building bridges between nations and celebrating shared values of friendship, respect, and artistic excellence.

As part of the launch, Ambassador Stoenescu formally presented the official album and choral score to Pakistan’s top officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. The ceremonial presentation underscores the spirit of friendship and cultural dialogue between Romania and Pakistan.

Founded in 1963 by legendary conductor Marin Constantin, the Madrigal – Marin Constantin National Chamber Choir has become a symbol of musical excellence and cultural diplomacy. Renowned for its distinct non-vibrato technique, stereophonic stage placement, and striking presentation, the choir has performed thousands of concerts worldwide and received numerous international accolades.

Through this artistic tribute, Romania reaffirms its respect for Pakistan’s history, identity, and national values, demonstrating how music and culture can foster stronger ties between nations.