When the Voice Carries You Home

Since the Islamic Revolution, Iranian-born singer Mahsa Vahdat has been forced to develop her artistry outside her homeland. Through music and poetry, she has nevertheless held on to an expression rooted in the Persian language and musical tradition. We have long wanted to do something with her. Not only because she communicates with a rare strength and closeness, but because her music creates a special space for listening. Here there is a warmth and a humanity that does not seek conflict, but that contains both light and darkness. ​ The program moves between music from Iran and the surrounding areas, Eastern European traditions and a slight shift in Edvard Grieg – sung in Farsi. Everything is woven together by poetry and a musical language that expands what we know. And through it all, a voice that carries distance and memory – and at the same time sings us home. ​ The concert is part of the Ultima Festival. Program Trad. Leili Lullaby Béla Bartók Romanian Folk Dances Mahsa Vahdat My Ruthless Companion Dialogue with the Beloved Vaya, vaya Bootarab Colin Jacobsen Atashgah Claude Chalhoub Oriental Images for String Octet Edvard Grieg Solveig's Song Grenadines Boat Song Trad. Turceasca ​ Participants Pekka Kuusisto, Artistic Director Mahsa Vahdat, Singer Tamer Pinarabasi, Qanoon Kenneth Ekornes, Percussion