The musicians will present a series of concerts and live performances centered around sharing their music, stories, and cultural traditions. They originate from the Dera Bugti district in Balochistan and belong to the Bugti tribe. Their musical knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, and they have lived with this music since childhood. Their performances are deeply connected to their land, culture, and history. Alongside the music, audiences will also hear stories about the origins and meanings behind the songs, creating a richer and more immersive experience. These performances form the heart of the project and offer audiences a rare and authentic musical encounter.
An important part of Altai’s mission is inviting people to truly experience culture and music up close. Through educational programs and workshops, participants can engage directly with the musicians and traditions themselves.
Under the guidance of the musicians, participants will have the unique opportunity to:
This project was born from a shared love for music, art, and culture. What began as curiosity and mutual recognition grew into a collaboration that transcends borders and connects people through stories and melodies.
Rowan Hartsuiker has been involved with throat singing for more than twenty years, primarily focusing on traditions from Mongolia. Throughout that time, he was aware that throat singing traditions also exist in other parts of the world, including Balochistan.
In 2025, Rowan shared a short video about the Nar Sur tradition online. The video was warmly received by the Balochi community and became the starting point of an unexpected international collaboration. Through this, Rowan came into contact with Asad, a musician from Balochistan who dreamed of one day sharing his music and culture with audiences in Europe. Soon after, Mehrab joined the project. Born and raised in Balochistan and now living in the Netherlands, he became an essential cultural bridge between the musicians, organizers, and European audiences.
What began as a simple exchange of ideas has since grown into a fully developed cultural project. Together with musicians, community members, cultural partners, supporting organizations, and government representatives, we are working to bring Nar Sur to Europe for the very first time through concerts, workshops, educational activities, and cultural exchange.
This project is about much more than music. It is about preserving cultural heritage, building connections between communities, and creating a rare opportunity for European audiences to experience one of the world's lesser-known musical traditions directly from the source.
Behind this project are people from different backgrounds brought together by one shared belief: that music and culture can connect people, especially in difficult times.
Asad is a highly skilled algoza player and is considered one of the most gifted musicians within the Nar Sur tradition. The algoza consists of two connected flutes: one carrying the melody and the other the drone. Through a distinctive breathing technique, he creates the characteristic rhythmic flow central to traditional Balochi music.He has performed for many years with passion and dedication at concerts, weddings, and community celebrations. Asad belongs to the Bugti tribe and fulfills the role of Narri (flute player).
Ameen is a young and promising musical talent from the Bugti tribe, deeply connected to his cultural heritage. He began his musical journey playing the dambiro — the Balochi tambura — and continued the musical path of his father, a respected musician who passed away in 2020.Through his music, Ameen supports his family while carrying forward an important cultural tradition. His playing is rhythmic, emotional, and deeply rooted in the musical heritage of Balochistan.
Haider Ali is a respected and experienced Nar Sur throat singer from Balochistan and a member of the Bugti tribe. Within the Nar Sur tradition, he fulfills the role of Surri (throat singer).When the algoza and dambiro begin to play, Haider blends his voice seamlessly with the instruments, bringing Balochi poetry to life through song. His performances carry emotion, storytelling, and tradition, leaving a deep impression on audiences.
Rowan and Saran are the founders of Altai and work from the Netherlands to share living musical traditions and cultures. Their work is centered around cultural exchange, respect for origin, storytelling, and meaningful encounters through music and hospitality.
Mehrab was born and raised in Balochistan and now lives and works in the Netherlands. He is a teacher, researcher in sustainable food systems, and interactive documentary maker. Alongside this, he creates electronic music and explores how traditional melodies can evolve into new contemporary forms.
