Echoes of The Unseen features international festival headline artist Qais Essar on rabab with guest tabla player Shen Flindell from Brisbane.  This exclusive regional festival performance is part of his second Australian tour celebrating his new album release including shows at Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre.

“This is timeless, spellbinding music that wraps itself around you, and won’t let go.” – Sydney Morning Herald

Qais Essar is one of the leading Afghan composers and musicians of his generation. Given the Taliban’s ongoing persecution of artists and musicians, he is an important voice.

Qais has composed music for three Oscar-nominated films: Yellow (2024), Three Songs for Benazir (2021) and The Breadwinner (2018) which was produced by Angelina Jolie.

Qais tours extensively, including performances at The Kennedy Center, SxSW, Aga Khan Museum, The BBC, and Newport Folk Festival.

Qais’ performance features a blend of Indian and Afghan folk and classical music on the rabab – the national instrument of Afghanistan.

ABOUT LONG LISTEN

Long Listen 🎧 returns with a festival weekend teaser event of six eclectic concerts from 1-3 November 2024 at Eudlo Hall, offering a unique cultural experience where East meets West featuring world class dynamic artists on stage and in conversation to amplify world peace.

This special weekend festival teaser will immerse audiences in a rich sonic tapestry of immersive improvised music, visual art, and storytelling, celebrating the intersection of diverse musical traditions from Afghanistan, India, China, Europe and Australia.

Long Listen is an artist-driven, musician-led annual boutique music festival founded and programmed by Louise King.  Over three days, audiences will be treated to captivating performances, featuring traditional and contemporary works that highlight the fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Listen to our guest artists in conversation with Louise King, Artistic Director and founder of Long Listen from the stage.

Enjoy connecting and making festival friends pre-evening concerts with drinks 🍹 at our festival pop up bar, or enjoy a cup of tea 🫖 in the hall’s kitchen before our morning concerts.