Highlights by MALIK MERCHANT

I was thrilled to attend a featured presentation, A Birding and Wildlife Safari to Tanzania, on September 10, 2026. Dianne and Bob Leonhardt from Calgary hosted the event, which marked the start of the fall season for Birds & Beers at the Royal Canadian Legion in Southwest Calgary.

During their illustrated conversation, the couple highlighted their captivating trip to Tanzania, which took place from April 13 to April 30, 2025. Bob described the visit as the best tour they’ve ever experienced. They stayed in comfortable lodges and tented camps, enjoyed delicious meals, and took in the stunning African scenery. During their adventure, they observed about 370 bird species and around 50 mammal species.

Upon arriving in Arusha, they explored several breathtaking locations, including Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the famous Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Reserve and Crater. In Ngorongoro area, they stayed at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, part of the global Serena hotel chain, which operates under the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, an agency within the Aga Khan Development Network.

The Legion Hall was packed as Bob, with Dianne’s help, captivated the audience with his wildlife stories and pictures, focusing especially on birds. Although I’m not an avid birder, I always enjoy the excitement of early-morning bird sightings, especially during the spring and early summer months in Alberta’s National Parks. My limited knowledge often leads my daughter, Nurin, to correct me when I misidentify birds in my photo captions!

When I entered the presentation room, I was captivated by a beautiful 2027 Tanzania wildlife calendar, measuring approximately 12″ x 8.5″, offered as a door prize. Unfortunately, I didn’t win it. After the event, I spoke with Bob and asked him to make two copies of the calendar, each with 13 wildlife photos, for my daughter and me. I visited him a couple of days ago to pick them up and asked if he would be open to producing more prints if there was enough interest, particularly from those who grew up in Tanzania. He agreed but said he could only do so after December 5, as he is leaving for Bhutan soon to continue with his birding passion. They will be available later this year or at the beginning of 2027. Interested readers in Calgary can contact me at mmerchant@simerg.com. The cost per calendar will be $25.00, and sales are limited to Calgary residents, who can pick them up at my place. There is absolutely no profit in this endeavour.

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The Artist: A Journey of Creative Expression features 40 talented Ismaili artists in British Columbia, Canada

Ismaili artists in British Columbia have been more active in the visual arts scene than in any other province in Canada I can think of. I was thrilled to learn about a beautiful new publication, the first of its kind in the province, showcasing the work of about 40 talented visual artists. This 185-page hardback, The Artist: A Journey of Creative Expression, arrived at my doorstep this week. It’s a must-have for every art lover’s home library. It’s not only a perfect coffee table book but also a source of inspiration, letting readers appreciate the passion of those who pursue art, whether professionally or as a hobby.

With over 450 copies now in circulation worldwide, The Artist continues to reach art enthusiasts and communities across the globe. This special publication is being offered at cost, making it accessible to those who wish to celebrate and support the artistic achievements of BC’s Ismaili community.

BOOK DETAILS AND ORDERING INFORMATION

• Hardcover Coffee Table Book (8.5” × 11”) with Deluxe Presentation Case — $65.00 CAD.
• Shipping charge: $20.00 CAD.
• Order your copy by clicking Purchase The Artist: A Journey of Creative Expression.

For questions or additional information about the book, or to order single or multiple copies with or without the case, please contact Asif Bhalesha at the.artist.ajoce@gmail.com.

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November 23, 2026: Aga Khan Museum to present Qawwali Flamenco in Calgary

On October 17, 2026, the John Singer Concert Hall in downtown Calgary hosted the world premiere of a unique event that brought Bollywood together with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The fall issue of Prelude, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s official magazine and program publication, describes the event in great detail. I invite readers to read the article online HERE, starting on page 40.

This was my first time attending a program at the beautiful Jack Singer Concert Hall, and I hope to return for the Toronto Aga Khan Museum’s presentation of Qawwali Flamenco on November 23, 2026.

The programme marks the long-awaited return of the celebrated collaboration between Pakistani qawwali master Faiz Ali Faiz and flamenco guitar virtuoso Juan Gómez “Chicuelo.” By combining flamenco and Sufi devotional chants, the performance will create a space where spiritual traditions transcend centuries and continents. With a specially assembled ensemble of singers and musicians, the Singer Concert Hall, acclaimed for its beauty and fine acoustics, will bring together the unexpected affinities between two of the world’s most emotionally charged musical forms. Tickets are available for purchase on Singer Hall’s online booking website: Qawwali Flamenco | Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre.

Date posted: October 30, 2026.

Correction: In our original version, we misspelled the location of the forthcoming Qawwali Flamenco Concert as Springer Hall instead of Singer Hall. We apologize for the error.

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