S.A.R.A.

 Sounds and Rhythms of Afghanistan 

SARA is an extraordinary ensemble of internationally recognized musicians, consisting of Rubab, Doyra, Tabla, Vocal, and on special occasion the national dance of Afghanistan, Attan. Combining melody, rhythm, poetry, and dance, SARA takes you on an evocative journey of cross-cultural communication & exchange.  Salar Nader, Homayun Sakhi, Abbos Kosimov and Humayun Khan, deeply rooted to their traditions from Central Asia, effortlessly interweave & embody their craft, evoking the wonders of this beautiful & complex region.

Salar Nader is co-creator of Sounds & Rhythms of Afghanistan (SARA)is considered one of the most sought after & stunning tabla musicians of his generation and has been groomed by the one of the finest percussionist/tabla players in the world, Ustad Zakir Hussian. While Nader’s core education & primary expertise has been the Tabla, he also performs on the Afghan Zehrbhagali and the Afghan Dhol, a 13th century percussion instrument, widely used in North India as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

Homayun Sakhi is co-creator of SARA and is currently a master of the Afghan Rubob who belongs to the Ustad Mohammad Omar style of rubob playing. The rubab hails from the 7th century CE. Detailed in ancient Persian texts and among a myriad of Sufi poets, it is the national instrument of Afghanistan and also widely affected in Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Abbos Kosimov is considered one the most entertaining and explosive Dorya players in the history of frame drumming. Among the oldest & most versatile of drums, Kosimov takes you on a modern mood swing of his instrument, merging authentic rhythmic beats with style.

Humayun Khan is a classical vocalist who has been groomed by sitar legend Ustad Vilayat Khan and Ustad Fateh Ali khan (vocal). With the addition of Humayun Khan you will hear the hypnotic sounds of Sufi poetry from Maulana Jalalideen Rumi Balkhi, Ghazals based on Hazrat Beydil, and poetry as well as Tarana's based on 12th century poet Hazrat Amir Khusrous Dehlavi, encompassing a breathtaking kaleidescope of cultures, styles & traditions.

SARA has received rave reviews and standing ovations from audiences throughout Europe, Canada, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, and the Middle East. In 2009, they performed at New York’s world-renown & prestigious Carnegie Hall.  

Furthermore, a sampling of their evocative compositions can be heard on 2010’s Smithsonian Folkways record label album named "Rainbow," a collaboration with the world famous Kronos Quartet and also "Footsteps of Babur," musical encounters from the lands of the Mughals.

Discover the nuanced beauty of SARA, as they take you on a transcendental voyage of diverse cultural influences – a musical caravan through the depths of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and North India. This reflective musical sojourn will conjure magical images to one of the most enchanting & majestic regions of the world.