Labyrinth Ontario: Live Concert of Iranian Dastgāh (NYCL)

The Toronto Public Library and Labyrinth Ontario invite you to a soul-stirring evening of traditional Iranian music.

Step into the rich world of Iranian Dastgāh, a captivating musical tradition that tells stories through sound. This beautiful art form, which blossomed in the 19th century, continues to inspire musicians today with its flowing melodies and intricate musical conversations.

This group of talented Iranian musicians, who call Toronto home, will guide you through this sonic adventure, weaving together timeless classical pieces with modern interpretations. What makes this performance truly special is the spontaneous creativity you'll witness—these artists will improvise and explore the music in real-time, creating magical moments that can never be replicated.

Ticket registration for this event is required: Free tickets for this event are available to book via Eventbrite.

About this event’s guests:

Sadaf Amini is a Santur musician from Tehran, Iran. Since immigrating to Canada, she has performed at various music festivals and been awarded the 2019 YGK emerging musician competition and the 2020 Kingston Film Festival Local Music Video Showcase Jury Prize. She has also collaborated with various ensembles and released her original Santur solo album “Flow”.

Ava Rostamian is an Iranian singer and vocal coach. Rostamian has worked with groups such as The Kamkars and Iranshahr National Musical Instruments Orchestra, and performed internationally at De La Cite, Shenzhen Music Festival, and Barana Music Festival. Rostamian has released over 20 tracks, available to listen on streaming platforms.

Soheil Sadeghi is deeply immersed in the art of Iranian Kamanche and Iranian music Radifs. His performances have taken him to prestigious stages worldwide, including the World Map Music Symposium at Tchaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow (2014) and the Resonanzen Music Festival in Wiener Konzerthaus (2015). Soheil’s Kamancheh playing can be heard in recordings such as “Asheghi” by Arshad Tahmasbi, “Wandering in the Mirror” by Reza Fayyaz, and “Ayyaran” by Ahmad Pejman.

Sasan Salaseli is an Iranian Tonbak and Daf player who has been playing since 1985 and teaching for over two decades. He pioneered the creation of Iran's first specialized percussion school "Abidar" and has been developing innovative rhythm pedagogy for children using poetry and group workshops.

Araz Salek is an Iranian tar player who has been actively teaching and performing since 2000. In addition to guest teaching at the University of Alberta and the Labyrinth Musical Workshop in Crete, Greece, he co-founded Labyrinth Musical Workshop Ontario, where he serves as Artistic Director. Salek has appeared on several recordings and released a critically well-received solo album, “Birth”.

***

is a not-for-profit dedicated to the study and performance of sonic traditions rooted in modal music, experimenting with sounds that stretch from Afghanistan through Central and West Asia and beyond.

***

This event is part of TPL’s programming series, Islamic History and Culture.

***

PLAN YOUR VISIT:

Location: Concourse Event Space, North York Central Library (5120 Yonge St).

Time: Doors open 6:00pm, Event starts 7:00pm.

Tickets: Free registration required.

Ticket policy: Tickets guaranteed until 6:50pm, after which rush line admission begins. Seating first come, first served.

Accessibility: TPL is committed to accessibility. If you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation for this event, please contact [email protected] or 416-393-7099 at least three weeks prior to the event.

Info: Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends.

Info: Performance and talkback.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

North York Central Library CONCOURSE, 5120 Yonge Street, North York, Canada