Combining classical Persian music with innovative world music techniques, the Lian Ensemble has evolved from a traditional, Sufi-style ensemble to an increasingly bolder fusion group. Often vocalizing the poetry of Rumi, Hafez and other classic poets, Lian's repertoire alters from the meditative to the ecstatic, with occasional forays into an almost jazz-like groove. Lian Ensemble was established in 1997 by Pirayeh Pourafar, Houman Pourmehdi and Mahshid Mirzadeh. The group has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally and has had a profound influence on Persian music in Iran and in diaspora.
Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times noted, "Lian Ensemble is a gifted group with completive compositions and virtuosic performances."
Their January 12th program features new compositions and improvisations drawing on the rich heritage of Persian classical and mystical music, as well as contemporary and ancient Sufi poetry.
The line-up features:
Pirayeh Pourafar, Tar
Houman Pourmehdi, Tonbak, Daf, Ney, Percussion
Mahshid Mirzadeh, Santur
Soleyman Vaseghi, Vocal
Randy Gloss, Percussion
Andrew Grueschow, Percussion
Austin Wrinkle, Percussion
Lian Ensemble in Concert:
Friday 12 January 2006 @ 8 pm
St Matthews Church
1031 Bienvenida Ave
Pacific Palisades 90272
admission $25 at the door from 7:30 pm
with generous support from private sponsors and St Matthews Church
(310) 573-7787 ext 4
(310) 395-0718
From: Maryam Asgari