Qais Essar

Ainslie Salon returns with Qais Essar, a critically acclaimed contemporary Afghan composer, instrumentalist and producer.

Qais Essar channels his melodic designs through the rabab – the lute-like instrument of Afghanistan.

From composing for Oscar-nominated films such as The Breadwinner, to captivating audiences at SXSW and The Kennedy Centre, Qais creates ‘timeless, spellbinding music that wraps itself around you, and won’t let go’ (Sydney Morning Herald).

Drawing from the rick folk music and classical traditions of India and Afghanistan his expansive, emotional and thought-provoking works by one of the most profound rabab performers in the world.

In Afghanistan, music faces an existential threat, leading to a decreed ban on music performance and musicians encountering life-threatening violence and condemnation. Qais Essar’s creative voice stands as more important and relevant than ever.

Accompanying Qais Essar is tabla player Murtaza Damoon. Born into a musical family, Murtaza started playing the tabla at the age of seven, learning from his father. At an early age he became a disciple of Ustad Zamir Ahmed Khan of Farukhabad Gharana.

Ainslie Salon: Qais Essar is presented by Worlds Within Worlds with support from Ainslie Gorman. Ainslie Gorman is supported by the ACT Government.