Afghanistan Freehormonic Orchestra
The Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra - or AFO - is a group of committed Afghan and international musicians from around the world of all nationalities.
Founded by Qudrat Wasefi and Dan Blackwell, the musicians of this ever-expanding, unique group, collaborate virtually to record original pieces and arrangements. Our main focus is Afghan music, which has been silenced since the Taliban takeover. We also incorporate Western and other global musical styles and genres.
Right now, this moment, Afghan musicians are being silenced, their instruments destroyed, and their freedoms are being taken away. With so many forced to flee their homes to all corners of the globe, the AFO aims to unite displaced Afghan musicians and include musicians of all nationalities to join in solidarity to promote peace, freedom, and music.
Beyond the music, it is AFO’s mission to give a platform and a voice to those who need their stories heard. The more we understand exactly what is happening in Afghanistan by seeing and hearing the real people behind the headlines, the more we connect, the more we all can do to help.
Though almost all of our members are displaced and apart from each other, it’s our ambition to one day gather together and perform a live concert for a live audience.
Mission Statement of the Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra
The Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra (AFO) stands as a beacon of resilience, hope, and solidarity in a world where the sounds of freedom often struggle to be heard. Our mission is to harness the transformative power of music to advocate for peace, freedom, and the preservation of Afghan cultural heritage, while fostering a global community united through shared artistic expression.
Championing Afghan Musical Heritage
Founded in 2023 by Qudrat Wasefi and Dan Blackwell, the AFO was born out of a pressing need to give voice to Afghan musicians who have been silenced by conflict and repression. Our orchestra brings together Afghan and international musicians, creating a unique tapestry of sound that blends traditional Afghan music with Western and global styles. Through our work, we aim to protect and promote the rich musical traditions of Afghanistan, ensuring that they continue to resonate across the world.
A Platform for Resilience and Empowerment
Our recent concert at National Sawdust in NYC, in collaboration with the Iranian Female Composers Association (IFCA) and the Emruz Festival Team, was a testament to the courage and creativity of Afghan female musicians. This event celebrated the resilience of women through music, showcasing the talents of artists like Elaha Soroor and reflecting on the historical and contemporary struggles faced by women in Afghanistan, Iran, and Gaza.
Fostering Global Solidarity
The AFO is committed to uniting displaced Afghan musicians and inviting artists of all nationalities to join our mission. Through virtual collaborations and live performances, we seek to build bridges across cultures, highlighting the universal language of music as a means to foster understanding and solidarity. Our concerts, like those held in Boston and Cambridge, have served as cultural celebrations and platforms for advocacy, raising awareness, and funds for humanitarian causes.
Honoring Stories and Struggles
Beyond the realm of music, the AFO is dedicated to giving a platform to those whose stories need to be heard. By showcasing the real people behind the headlines, we aim to deepen global understanding of the situations in Afghanistan and beyond. Our performances are not just artistic endeavors; they are powerful narratives that honor the bravery of individuals who continue to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Looking to the Future
As we continue to grow, the AFO remains steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the silenced and oppressed through our music. We are excited about future projects and concerts that will further our mission of spreading messages of hope and peace. Your support is crucial in keeping the spirit of freedom alive, and we invite you to join us on this journey, celebrating the enduring power of music to transcend adversity and unite hearts across the globe.
Join Us
We are immensely grateful for the support of our friends and community, and we look forward to sharing more updates and invitations to our upcoming events. Together, we can continue to amplify the voices of resilience and hope, ensuring that the sounds of freedom echo far and wide.
