Risgar Koshnaw
Risgar Koshnaw was born 1952 in the Kurdish part of Iraq. From a very early age he started to learn the Oud, a type of lute; later he continued his studies at the Institute for Iraqi Melodies in Bagdad from which he graduated with highest marks before starting his promising career in the limelight.
Risgar worked as presenter, music critic and juror, he wrote scientific articles on Kurdish music and its ethnological aspects, collected rare Kurdish instruments and was founder of the first museum devoted to music in Erbil. A sought-after composer and musician who dedicated his life to the culture and music of his country with heart and mind, he was well on his way to becoming an influential figure – but then war broke out.
As a famous exponent of the Iraqi music scene, he nonetheless refused to write songs of war. Political retribution quickly followed. In 1981 he had to leave his native land for a new home in Styria.
He enrolled at the University of the Arts in Graz, finished his studies and became an Austrian citizen. At university he met Markus Schirmer with whom he co-founded the successful group “SCURDIA”. He involved himself deeply in the artistic activities of the city, working as music therapist and producing his own CDs.
Today, Risgar Koshnaw travels the world, following invitations from international stages everywhere.
Risgar worked as presenter, music critic and juror, he wrote scientific articles on Kurdish music and its ethnological aspects, collected rare Kurdish instruments and was founder of the first museum devoted to music in Erbil. A sought-after composer and musician who dedicated his life to the culture and music of his country with heart and mind, he was well on his way to becoming an influential figure – but then war broke out.
As a famous exponent of the Iraqi music scene, he nonetheless refused to write songs of war. Political retribution quickly followed. In 1981 he had to leave his native land for a new home in Styria.
He enrolled at the University of the Arts in Graz, finished his studies and became an Austrian citizen. At university he met Markus Schirmer with whom he co-founded the successful group “SCURDIA”. He involved himself deeply in the artistic activities of the city, working as music therapist and producing his own CDs.
Today, Risgar Koshnaw travels the world, following invitations from international stages everywhere.