The Center for World Music will present Soundscapes of Afghanistan: Tradition Reimagined with Qais Essar.
Experience an unforgettable evening with Qais Essar, a pioneering Afghan composer and rabab virtuoso who weaves the traditional sounds of the mountainous Hindu Kush region with contemporary global music. The rabab, an instrument first mentioned in Arabic texts of the tenth century, is a plucked lute considered by many to be Afghanistan’s national instrument and a precursor of the sarod, prominent in North Indian classical music . Qais’s music blends Afghan folk, Americana, and other sources, creating a unique soundscape that feels both timeless and boundary-pushing.
Following the performance, join us for a Q&A with Qais, where he will share insights into his creative process, collaborations, and the inspirations behind his music. This close-up experience will offer a rare chance to delve into the mind of an artist dedicated to reimagining Afghan music for the modern world.
Admission/Cost: $40 - $55
Location:
Mingei International Museum
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA
Friday, April 18 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 pm PDT
