Qudrat Wasefi
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
State: Massachusettes
Coming from a conservative society where music is neither accepted as a “real” career nor allowed, I was determined to defy the norm and build my life around music. As a child of war, I know music’s unparalleled ability to evoke emotions and unite communities. It has been my refuge, strength, and voice throughout my journey.
Born into poverty in a remote Afghan desert, my life transformed when, at 8, I was taken to an orphanage in Kabul run by the Afghan Children Education and Care Organization (AFCECO). This safe haven taught me tolerance, respect for diversity, and the values of integrity and empathy. Crucially, it allowed me to explore music, igniting my passion for the art form.
My journey as a musician began in the orphanage choir and flourished when I joined the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) in 2011. There, I transitioned from playing the dilruba to the trumpet, which became my primary instrument. Performing as the lead trumpeter for Afghanistan’s National Symphony Orchestra and Afghan Youth Orchestra was exhilarating and gave me opportunities to represent my country on international stages.
The trumpet also brought me back to the orphanage, where I formed and directed a choir of 30 children, mostly girls. I composed socially inspired songs like “Freedom” and “Colorful Sky,” which became part of my album, Kid of War. This chapter of my career was cut short in 2021 when the Taliban seized Kabul, closing ANIM and the orphanage. Though devastated, I was not deterred.
I began composing music in defiance of the Taliban’s bans, collaborating with international musicians to perform these pieces worldwide. For instance, my string quartet composition was performed in Melbourne, and another piece was brought to life by Italian musicians. During this time, I also wrote Dari lyrics for “Collaboration” by Enrico Macias, which I recorded with musicians from over 10 countries.
Despite the immense risks, I continued to play my trumpet in natural spaces, drawing strength and inspiration from these moments of freedom. My music caught the attention of international media, and I became a voice for Afghan artists under Taliban rule, featured in documentaries and interviews that highlighted the plight of musicians in my homeland.
In 2022, I received scholarships to study composition at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where I am currently mentored by Alexandra Du Bois. This opportunity has been a milestone in my journey. That same year, I founded the Afghanistan Freeharmonic Orchestra, aiming to reconnect Afghan musicians scattered by conflict.
This summer, I participated in the Global Musicians Workshop, led by Silkroad faculty, where I collaborated with artists from 28 countries. Currently, I am interning with Silkroad Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma and now led by Rhiannon Giddens. These experiences have deepened my understanding of music’s ability to bridge cultures and foster unity.
I am also a research member on two projects: Afghanistan's Orchestral Music, collaborating with Afghan music scholars, and a smaller study on Afghan Compositional Structures and Styles. These projects aim to document, preserve, and analyze the unique musical traditions of Afghanistan, while also exploring how they intersect with contemporary composition.
In March 2025, I was a panelist and speaker at the 2025 Trans Cultural International Artists Conference, sharing my work and vision for the future. My lifelong dream is to return to Afghanistan to preserve its rich musical heritage and establish a school that nurtures not only musical excellence but also respect, understanding, and compassion among its students.
Looking ahead, while pursuing my master’s degree to keep raising awareness and advocating for Afghan girls, women, and musicians. At the same time, being a part of a change in the world to promote peace, kindness and understanding toward each other.
