„Roots Revival Series 3: Afghanistan “ / Music of Herat

Concert
Naria Nour, Nasim Khoshnawaz, and Roots Revival Ensemble

10.09.23, 20:00
Odeon, Taborstraße 10,1020 Wien

Roots Revival Series 3: Afghanistan celebrates the vibrant music and cultural diversity of Afghanistan. This 3rd series is a collaboration between Roots Revival, SHIFT and the Odeon Theater. The experimental project, which combines tradition and innovation, takes up four music genres from Afghanistan. Afghan guest musicians from all over the world will join the Roots Revival Ensemble in Vienna and develop unique interpretations of four Afghan music genres. An incomparable musical performance awaits you!

Music from Herat: The city of Herat in western Afghanistan is known for its rich cultural and musical heritage. Herati music has deep roots in Afghan and Persian musical traditions, combining elements of both, as well as the musical traditions of ethnic groups such as the Pashtun, Tajik and Hazara. It has a unique character, characterized by melodic complexity, artful rhythms and poetic lyrics. Commonly used instruments in Herati music include the rubab, the tabla, the harmonium, and sometimes the sarod. In Herati music, oral folk songs or poems are referred to as "chaharbaiti" or quatrains and "dubaiti" or couplets. These lyrical compositions possess a unique rhythmic quality that allows free expression. They are sung in Dari, the official language of Afghanistan.

​About the project:
A massive change has taken place in the Afghan cultural scene since the Taliban returned to Afghanistan. Making music is forbidden, has even become life-threatening in a country that boasts an extraordinary musical culture. The world is witnessing yet another mass exodus of Afghans. Today, Afghan musicians are only allowed to play in exile. After the first year of regime change, most waves of international support and empathy for Afghanistan have subsided. The challenges in the lives of Afghans and Afghan artists have increased enormously, both inside and outside the country. With the project "Roots Revival Series: Afghanistan" we want to draw attention to the diversity and richness of Afghan music and thereby support some of the Afghan musicians.