New England Conservatory Concert Amplifies Voices of Afghan Musicians

A concert at the New England Conservatory (NEC) on March 14, 2026, served as a powerful statement of solidarity with Afghan musicians, highlighting the suppression of artistic expression under the Taliban regime. Organized by NEC student Arson Fahim, the event featured over 100 volunteer performers and premiered new works by Afghan composers.

A Musician’s Personal Journey

Arson Fahim, a pianist and composer set to graduate later in 2026, left Afghanistan just weeks before the Taliban regained control in 2021. The swift collapse of the Afghan government and the subsequent ban on music deeply impacted Fahim, who described losing a core part of his identity. “Suddenly, that became a crime in my own country,” he shared with GBH’s All Things Considered host Arun Rath. This personal experience fueled his determination to raise awareness and provide a platform for Afghan artists.

The Concert’s Genesis and Growth

Fahim’s initial impulse to create music in response to the situation in Afghanistan evolved into a large-scale concert. He explained that the concert was born from a combination of gratitude for the opportunities he found in the United States and guilt over leaving his homeland and colleagues behind. “It just naturally led to this concert, which was a way both for me to raise my voice as much as I can, and to raise awareness about what the Taliban are doing,” Fahim said.

Commissioning Music in Secret

A particularly striking aspect of the concert was the commissioning of eight new pieces by Afghan composers who are currently living and working in secret due to the dangers posed by the Taliban. The regime has actively suppressed music, destroying instruments and persecuting musicians, sometimes through public execution. Fahim emphasized the immense courage of these artists, who continue to create despite the risks. “It’s very dangerous for them,” he stated. “It’s not uncommon for the Taliban to persecute musicians and to even kill them in public.” For safety reasons, the composers’ identities remain anonymous.

The Resilience of Afghan Music

Despite decades of conflict, Afghan music retains a spirit of joy and celebration. Fahim highlighted the diversity of musical styles across different regions of Afghanistan, noting that the essence of the music is “joy.” He hopes the concert will allow audiences to connect with Afghanistan on a human level, moving beyond the often-tragic narratives presented in the news. “I’m hoping that audiences can connect to Afghanistan in a way that you just can’t by simply reading the news,” he said. “We forget that we’re talking about real humans who have emotions.”

A Universal Message

Fahim believes that music is an essential part of the human experience and cannot be silenced. He recalled how, during the Taliban’s previous rule, music immediately returned to the streets when the regime fell. “I don’t think a society without music can exist for too long,” he stated. The concert served as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music and the importance of supporting artists facing oppression.