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Songs from the Soul: Zhena Folk Chorus and Lian Ensemble
Happy the moment when we are seated in the palace, thou and I, With two forms and with two figures but with one soul, thou and I. —Rumi

An ecumenical evening bringing together two ancient threads begins with the soaring a cappella voices of the Zhena Folk Chorus. Through songs ranging from pagan to religious, humorous to sacred, the chorus passionately presents the rich folk traditions of Eastern Europe, emphasizing the role of women in performing and preserving this captivating music and culture. Beautiful authentic costumes and engaging regional vocal techniques enhance the ecstatic experience an Exhilarating Occasion with Rumi performed by The Liän Ensemble.

Their Persian Sufi music, with its complex polyrhythms, distinguished metaphoric lyrics, and vocal styles, calls the spirits to offer guidance in day-to-day life, resulting in an original and acoustic trance music that is as infectious as it is meditative. The group includes Pirayeh Pourafar, tar, robab; Houman Pourmehdi, tonbak, daf, ney; Siamak Shajarian, vocals; and Mahshid Mirzadeh, santur. Presented by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

For tickets and information: 213 763-ED4U (3348) or www.nhm.org