Trumpet, Composer
Qudrat Wasefi, a visionary young Afghan musician, has harnessed the power of music to defy adversity and advocate for positive change. In 2023, he founded the Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra, aiming to reunite Afghan musicians who have lost connection or hope amidst their homeland’s challenges. His music serves as a catalyst for peace and freedom.
Born into a conservative family, where music was considered sinful, Qudrat’s journey to become a renowned trumpeter, composer, and poet was transformative. At eight years old, he joined an AFCECO orphanage in Kabul, where his love for music flourished. He studied music for a decade at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music and founded a chorus group for children from AFCECO orphanages, composing patriotic songs that embodied Afghan resilience.
instrumentalist & Producer
Born and raised in Afghanistan, Siddique Ahmed (aka Sohrab) is also the founding member of Kabul Dreams, the country’s first Rock band. A lifelong musician, Sid is talented in a variety of instruments, including keyboard, bass guitar, violin, and most recently, the Rubab. This traditional Afghan instrument holds a special place in Sid’s heart, as it allows him to stay connected to his roots even while being away from home.
composer, producer
Composer, producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker Dan Blackwell has been collaborating with musicians all around the world since 2013 with the aim to unite people of all backgrounds and promote peace.
In 2017, Dan traveled to Kabul to film Sisters, a documentary about Zohra (Afghanistan’s first-ever female orchestra). Sisters was screened in the UK Houses of Parliament to help raise awareness in the UK government about the issues facing women in Afghanistan.
Percussion
Najib Angar, a young Afghan musician, was born into a humble peasant family belonging to a minority ethnicity that has historically faced discrimination from the ruling class. At the age of seven, Najib discovered solace and hope within the walls of the AFCECO orphanage, a nurturing sanctuary that recognized his exceptional artistic abilities. In 2011, driven by his passion, Najib pursued his dream by enrolling at the Afghanistan National Institution of Music. Although he initially studied the French Horn, he soon realized that his true calling resided in the realm of percussion, a domain that deeply resonated with his soul.
Sitar Player
Huma Rahimi, the trailblazing sitar player, recently a singer and the pride of her nation! Hailing from Kabul, she embarked on her musical journey in 7th grade, diving deep into the enchanting realms of eastern classical music. A graduate of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, she found her voice as one of the first female sitar players in her country, making waves as a vital member of the Zohra Orchestra and later, the youth Orchestra.
MONICA LOPEZ GARZON
Violinist
Colombian singer, violinist, and educator Her passion is to bring people closer to art and to be a musical oasis in their desert. “I believe that one who does not know how to serve does not know how, truly, to live.” She has performed as a singer and violinist with various orchestras in Colombia, China, Mexico, and the United States. Additionally, she has been a co-founder and member of multiple classical and jazz ensembles. She has performed as The Plaintiff, Pamina, Second Lady, the First Witch, and has covered Belinda. She premiered in La Vierge Marie; from L’Enfance du Christ in Colombia.
