Qais Essar

Qais Essar is an acclaimed Afghan-American composer, instrumentalist and producer. Renowned for his mastery of the rabab—a 2,500-year-old instrument—Qais blends traditional Afghan and Indian classical music with contemporary genres, crafting a unique fusion that bridges ancient and modern sounds.

Qais has toured extensively, sharing his new genre of music nationally and internationally. In 2023, Qais was a featured artist with the Oxford Philharmonic, performing new works by Afghan composers. He has contributed original music to feature films and television and continues to be featured in festivals and venues around the world.

Session(s)

  • Revolutionary Love (musician)
    Thursday, November 13 · 7-8:30 pm
  • An Evening of Music (musician)
    Friday, November 14 · 7:30-8 pm