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“MA” evokes the Zen concept of “ma,” the space between things, or the Farsi word “ma,” meaning “us.” This dual interpretation perfectly encapsulates the essence of the collaboration between Persian instrumental masters Elham Manouchehri and Amir Amiri, while also drawing from the initials of their surnames. The name “MA” serves as a reflection of their partnership, with the beginning letters of Manouchehri and Amiri symbolizing the creative fusion of their artistry.Amir Amiri is a santur (Persian hammered dulcimer) player, composer, and cultural inventor who inhabits a unique musical universe where ancient inspiration, dazzling virtuosity, and bold creativity meet. He composed the soundtrack for Matthew Rankin’s film Universal Language, which was short-listed to represent Canada at the Oscars 2025 and won the Directors’ Fortnight Audience Award at Cannes Festival 2024. His latest album Ajdad / Ancestors : Echoes of Persia has been at the top of world music charts since last September. Amiri performs and tours regularly with a vast spectrum of ensembles, enchanting with his signature down-to-earth style and connection with audiences.
Master of several traditional Persian instruments such as Tar, Setar, Shourangiz, and Robab, Elham Manouchehri has collaborated with a variety of musicians from multiple backgrounds and performed across Canada including featuring with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. A resident of Montreal since 2014, she has since immersed herself in the city’s cultural fabric and cultivated her musical talents receiving accolades and awards including from the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Together, Elham and Amir embody the spirit of “MA” through their collaboration, creating a space where Persian tradition and contemporary expression converge, celebrating the power of unity and the beauty found in the spaces between. The project’s name is a perfect metaphor for their artistic bond, emphasizing the harmony between sound, silence, and the connection between their musical voices.
The Highway 19 Concert Series is supported by the Province of BC through BC Arts Council and BC Live, and the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage.
General admission tickets are $30 with a limited number available for $20 to be accessible for those with limited income. Youth tickets are only $5.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Rivercity Players, 1120 Hemlock St, Campbell River, BC V9W, Canada
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
