Persian Singer & Multi-Instrumentalist
Esmail Fathi is a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Iran, whose expertise spans a range of traditional Persian instruments, including tonbak, daf, setar, and santur, alongside his proficiency in classical Persian vocals. Esmail directs the group's Persian traditional performances, bringing both technical expertise and cultural authenticity to each event. He also teaches the Persian percussion group at Simurgh Music School, where he mentors students in daf and tonbak.
Setar, Tar, Saz, Rabab
Liam Oliver is a multi-instrumentalist from Christchurch, New Zealand, with a passion for traditional stringed instruments from around the globe. A guitarist for most of his life, Liam has since expanded his musical repertoire to include the Persian setar, tar, Indian sitar, Afghan rabab, Turkish saz, oud, Greek bouzouki, Kazakh dombra, and more. In addition to his performance work, Liam teaches several of these instruments, offering his students a unique perspective and a broad and diverse skill set.
Nasheed Singer
Abdelilah Rharrabti is a skilled vocalist from Morocco, known for his expertise in Quran recitation and Arabic nasheeds (traditional Islamic songs). His voice is a familiar presence at Al-Noor Mosque, where he regularly leads the adhan (call to prayer), and at community celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr. A widely respected and treasured voice within the Christchurch Muslim communities, Abdelilah’s passion and expertise are invaluable to Simurgh when it comes to performing authentic Arabic nasheed repertoire.
Bansuri & Percussion
Nelson Myers-Daly is a talented multi-instrumentalist specializing in a wide range of wind and percussion instruments. His percussion skills span instruments such as the riq, bendir, frame drum, darbuka and tabla, among others. Nelson is also an accomplished bansuri player, having studied the Indian bamboo flute at Vindaban Gurukul, the prestigious Indian Classical music institution founded by renowned bansuri maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Oud
Pragunya Myers-Daly is an accomplished guitarist and oud player, best known for his work alongside his son Nelson as the duo Monk Party. With extensive experience across genres, their meditative and devotional music is inspired by the compositions and poems of their teacher, Sri Chinmoy. Their music blends influences from Indian Classical, Middle Eastern, and various world music traditions, creating a unique and soulful sound.
Qawwali Singer
Waris Rajput is a seasoned Qawwali singer from Punjab, India, with deep roots in Sufi devotional and Indian classical music. With years of experience performing at hundreds of dargah (Sufi shrines) across India, his music reflects both spiritual depth and technical mastery. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Performing Arts in Indian Classical music, and is also well-versed in Gurbani (Sikh devotional music). Simurgh is fortunate to draw on his rich musical expertise for Indian classical, Qawwali, and fusion performances.
