Qais Essar

Qais Essar is a contemporary Afghan composer, instrumentalist and producer who channels his melodic designs through the rabab, a 2,500 year old instrument from Afghanistan. He has toured extensively, sharing his new genre of music nationally and internationally. Essar has released two LPs, four EPs and one live album. His first LP, 'The Green Language' (2014), quickly became an Amazon #1 bestseller, followed by his second LP, 'Tavern of Ruin' in 2016. He has contributed original music to feature films and recently was recruited by director Nora Twomey to compose an original song for her Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated film, 'The Breadwinner' (produced by Angelina Jolie). His song won the Canadian Screen Award for "Achievement in Music - Best Original Song" for his piece The Crown Sleeps, which marks an indelible achievement for the young musician and composer.

In 2017, Qais also orchestrated a sold-out run of the musical Tear a Root from the Earth at the OBIE award winning Ice Factory at the New Ohio Theatre in New York City. Essar continues to be featured in festivals and venues around the world including the Newport Folk Festival, SXSW, The Kennedy Center, Treefort Music Festival and more. Essar released his 3rd LP on April 13, titled 'The Ghost You Love Most' to critical acclaim.