A young cellist from Afghanistan contacts me. She tells me about her dreams. Her message shows all the enthusiasm of his 16 years. I propose an interview. Meena replies “Wow this is great and wonderful!” This is how my questions begin.
When did you start to play the cello, and why the cello and not another musical instrument?
I started playing cello when I was in fifth grade in Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM). The first time that I heard cello, I was in fourth grade 4. Before that, I’ve never heard or seen a cello in my life. As soon as I heard the sound of the cello something really special and sweet happened to my heart. Cello has a really deep sound and really powerful sound that’s why cello got a huge part in my life and in my heart.
Are there many cellists in your country?
We don’t have many cellists in Afghanistan which makes me a little sad. We only have like 4 or 5 cellists throughout Afghanistan.
Is it easy to get a good cello in your country?
We can’t find cello or other instruments like viola, trumpet, obe, clarinet, etc… in here that’s why school gives instruments for all students.
Are there any music schools in your country?
There is only one music school in my entire country and it’s called “Afghanistan National Institute of Music” (ANIM).
Who was your first (or the most important) cello teacher?
When I started playing cello I only had a teacher for like 6 months and then she went back to her own country after five or six months another cello teacher came and she is the one who helped me to really understand cello and also helped me to stay strong in my hard times because playing music is not easy in Afghanistan especially when you are a girl.
When and where did you play in public for the first time?
My first concert for the public was in Germany and it was also my first time playing outside of Afghanistan as a member of Afghanistan’s first all-female orchestra (Zohra).
What is the moment of your life as a cellist that you remember with more pleasure?
Every moment of playing the cello is a pleasure for me. The most beautiful moment of playing the cello was when I performed with Divino Sospiro Orchestra in Portugal.
What is your favorite composer and which is your favorite composition?
My favorite composer is Edward Elgar. His music has something really special and I love all his compositions.
Do you prefer to play alone, with other cellists, or with musicians who play other instruments?
I have never played with a group of cellists alone but I have played with different huge orchestras. In the future, I want to experience how it is to play with 20 cellists. And I also really like to play solo with orchestra and that’s why I have composed a piece for cello and orchestra. It’s called DAWN and it’s about women’s struggles in Afghanistan.
In your country, are there job opportunities for cellists?
It will be hard to say because we only have one music school in Afghanistan and, if you want to be a really good musician, you need to go to conservatories and build a really strong career for yourself. Here we don’t have such an opportunity. If you want to do something great, first you need to build yourself, take a deep knowledge, and do something great for the world and people who need you.
Would you like to organize a concert involving many other musicians?
If I were to organize a concert I know that all musicians would be really happy to attend and be part of that concert because they know that it will be a really good experience for them to learn from each other’s and build stronger communication with each other and with the audience.
You were accepted into the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, US. How did you know about the existence of this Academy and why do you want to attend it?
First of all, I am really happy and grateful that I have been accepted because this is a wonderful opportunity for me to get another step closer to realizing my dreams. My cello teacher has studied in this place and she told me about it. Then we searched and I really loved it because I really like studying and being with huge groups of people and experiencing and learning new things.
You have received a great scholarship, but I believe that you will have to face other expenses to make your dream come true. How do you plan to get the money you need?
I got a great scholarship but I need help with the rest of the lessons and to attend which is why I started a fundraiser on Gofoundme. To achieve my goal I need everyone’s help.
What is the situation of the covid-19 pandemic in your country right now? Could restrictions on international movements be an obstacle to your travel to the US?
The covid-19 here it’s okay but the political situation is getting harder every day…
What do you dream of doing when you have finished your studies in the United States? What are your musical dreams for the future?
When I finish all my studies in the United States, my friends and I have this dream: to make a music school in Bamyan one of the oldest provinces of Afghanistan. In the past, Bamyan was such a cultural place. Here is the great Buddha who unfortunately was destroyed and many other monuments of the past also destroyed. With the creation of such a large and important center of musical culture, we want to show the new generation that we are strong and we can rebuild our world because everything is possible. And we should never give up.
Thank you for sharing your dreams with our readers, Meena. I wish you a future full of joy and satisfaction. May your dreams soon turn into reality!
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