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For the very first time in Europe, participants will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from musicians who have grown up within the Nar Sur tradition of Balochistan.
This workshop goes beyond listening alone. Under the guidance of Asad, participants will be introduced to the Algoza, the traditional double flute that forms the melodic and rhythmic foundation of Nar Sur music. Ameen will demonstrate the Tambura and its role within the tradition. Those who wish to continue playing after the workshop will also have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of instruments brought directly from Balochistan by the musicians.
Haider will introduce the foundations of Nar Sur throat singing. Together with Rowan Hartsuiker, who has more than twenty years of experience with Mongolian throat singing, participants will explore vocal techniques and the fascinating connections between different throat singing traditions across Asia.
No prior experience is required!
Located in the heart of Leuven on the historic Grote Markt, The Loft is a cozy workshop space situated beneath the wooden beams of an 18th-century building. Its intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for cultural exchange, making music and learning.
Address: Boekhandelstraat 1, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
This workshop is much more than a music lesson. It is a rare opportunity to spend time with the musicians themselves, hear their stories, ask questions, and gain insight into a living musical tradition that has rarely been experienced outside Balochistan and is now being presented in Europe for the very first time.
Throughout the day, Asad, Ameen, and Haider will share performances, explain the origins and meanings of traditional songs, and introduce participants to the role of music, poetry, storytelling, and oral history within Balochi culture. Asad speaks English and will assist throughout the workshop, while a dedicated English–Balochi translator will be present to ensure smooth communication between participants and all three musicians.
The workshop includes coffee, tea, fruit, and light refreshments, creating a relaxed atmosphere where meaningful cultural exchange can take place. Whether you are a musician, singer, throat singing enthusiast, or simply curious about the world's musical traditions, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to experience Nar Sur directly from the source.
Important: The Nar Sur 2026 project involves international travel and visa procedures for the participating musicians. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that special conditions may apply regarding scheduling, postponements, or cancellations. Please read our full Nar Sur 2026 policy here.
Rowan raakte op 17-jarige leeftijd, rond 2006, in de ban van de muziek uit Mongolië. Al snel reisde hij naar Mongolië om het land en de cultuur verder te ontdekken. Sindsdien zijn de Mongoolse muziek en tradities een onlosmakelijk deel van zijn dagelijks leven geworden. In 2014 trouwde hij met Saran, en samen werken ze sindsdien aan hun droom: het delen van de Mongoolse cultuur en muziek in Nederland via hun concept Altai.
Asad, Ameen en Haider zijn drie muzikanten uit Balochistan die de zeldzame Nar Sur-traditie van keelzang, poëzie en traditionele muziek vertegenwoordigen. Voor het eerst brengen zij dit levende muzikale erfgoed naar Europa. Asad bespeelt de algoza (dubbele fluit), Ameen de tambura en Haider verzorgt de karakteristieke Nar Sur-keelzang. Samen delen zij de verhalen, melodieën en tradities van Balochistan in een authentieke en meeslepende muzikale beleving.
