The texts of Persian poet and philosopher Jalal ad-Din Mohammad Rumi (1207-1273) have inspired people all over the world for over seven centuries with their timeless meditations on spirituality and love. Iranian composer Amin Amel Ebrahimi is writing a song cycle for pianist Jabiz Hafizi and baritone singer Arash Roozbehi based on these texts, commissioned by Gaudeamus, in which the cultural and musical heritage of Iran and Western composition practice come together on an equal basis. Rumi expert Sipko den Boer gives an introduction and recites the sung poems in English.
In these politically turbulent times, in which different cultures increasingly mix, but also increasingly clash, Ebrahimi, Hafizi and Roozbehi see an opportunity for dialogue. Mutually accepting and getting to know and understand each other, both musically and beyond, is the guiding principle behind this song cycle.
The cycle consists of 7 songs based on 7 stages of spiritual journey, 7 Valleys of Love: 1.Quest 2.Love 3.Knowledge 4.Contentment 5.Unity 6.Wonderment 7.True Poverty & Absolute Nothingness. The text will be collection of poems related to each valley from Rumi’s book Masnavi.
This concert can be visited live by a select audience in TivoliVredenburg. Buy your ticket by clicking on the right side. The concert will also be streamed live online. When you watch, you can make a donation according to a pay-as-you-like principle. For more information, check the tickets & info page.