Freight and Salvage is pleased to facilitate the creation and presentation of WOVEN VERSES: Poetic Resistance and Resilience, sung by Iranian born sisters Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat. The project features new compositions by Mahsa Vahdat and arranged by Atabak Elyasi, inspired by Mahsa’s life in exile, her deep belonging to her motherland and her dedication to preserving and reviving Iranian music. The music is based in interwoven classical and contemporary Persian texts. This project activates voices from past and present, weaving a vibrant collage of text and music and visuals connected to the rich tradition of Persian carpets. Musicians are from Armenia, Palestine, Turkey, Iran and the US .

Through this project, Mahsa bridges the gap between past and present, celebrating the enduring spirit of Iranian music and offering a voice to the diaspora.

The collaborating artists for the Woven Verses project are:

Naseem Alatrash: cello
David Balakrishnan: violin
Diedre Charlene: visual artist
Ara Dinkjian: oud
Greg Ellis: percussion
Atabak Elyasi: arranger
Tamer Pinarbasi: qanoon

Created with funding from a Hewlett Foundation 50 Arts Commission.

ABOUT MASHA AND MARJAN VAHDAT

Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat are acclaimed Iranian Classical singers, musicians, and composers based in California. With their enchanting voices and deep-rooted connection to their Iranian heritage, they have fearlessly defied bans on music and solo female singers imposed by Iranian authorities following the Islamic revolution of 1979.

Beyond their musical achievements, Mahsa and Marjan are passionate vocal educators and champions for women’s rights and social justice. Their work empowers women by encouraging them to raise their voices. Mahsa and Marjan are role models for many young Iranian women singers in the complex socio-political environment of contemporary Iran and in Diaspora communities.

Their performances and recording projects include collaborations with many of the world’s most acclaimed musicians, including U.S. blues singer Mighty Sam McClain, the Kronos Quartet, Tord Gustavson, Teatr Zar, SKRUK Choir, Atabak Elyasi, and Bridget Kibbey.

Learn more about the project on the Woven Verses: Poetic Resistance and Resilance overview page.