Monika Jalili: Songs of Love from Iran

Iran Heritage Foundation

For a talented group of Iranian poets and composers enjoying fame, the Iranian revolution of 1979 extinguished hopes, dreams and careers. We will never know what could have been.

Since a serendipitous introduction in 2003, Monika Jalili has worked tirelessly to revive the touching works of these Iranian artists, some of whom are no longer with us, and most of whom have lived the past 30 years into their old age unable to express themselves as they once could.  It is their songs that Monika sings with passion, appreciation, care and love.

Monika Jalili and her ensemble of world-class musicians perform songs of love and hope from Iran.  The songs are performed in their original languages of Persian, Azeri, and various dialects. Using traditional and non-traditional instruments, her ensemble musicians combine their influences to present original interpretations of this music. In a spirit of exploration, Monika strives to create understanding through an appreciation of the beauty of Iranian culture.

Come hear the sounds of Iran ranging from favorite folk songs to the legendary love songs of the 40s, 50's, 60's and 70's.

For this performance, Monika will be joined by:
Megan Gould, violin
Riaz Khabirpour, guitar
Mavrothi T. Kontanis, oud
Shane Shanahan, percussion

Recent reviews of Monika Jalili's newly released CD "Élan"
This might be the best world music album of the year... - Lucid Culture

Wow, what a voice! Set it against really interesting instrumentation and you have something slightly "out of this world."  - Suffolk and Cool

Jalili's voice is eminently beautiful; a full and rich soprano that caresses each note with its texture and tone... Monika Jalili comes along with a collection of poignant and beautiful Iranian/Persian songs that predate the Iranian Revolution at a time when the residents of that country are closer to turning back the revolution that binds them than at any point since 1979. Élan speaks to the goodness and yearning for a better life of a beautiful people. If Jalili's album is reflective of the culture and nature of the people of Iran..., then it is an amazing tribute to a national spirit that has been hidden from the world for three decades. - Wildy's World.

Mahak is a non-profit organization based in Iran and dedicated to providing support, care, and treatment for children with cancer and their families. For more information, or to donate directly, please see www.mahak-charity.org.

17 October 2009 at 8pm
Doors open at 7pm

Tickets £10, £20 and £50;
Limited number of Mahak Donor Package £150 includes *two* front-section seats, private post-concert reception, and a CD signed by the musicians.

Tickets available at www.SeeTickets.com, cash-only at the door on the night of the concert, and at select London locations (please refer to www.MonikaJalili.com for updated information on locations)

Events Information Tel: +44 20 7226 1686 http://www.unionchapel.org.uk/events.php/229/monika_jalili

www.MonikaJalili.com
info@MonikaJalili.com