Music of Iran

The Twin Cities Iranian Culture Collective presents a concert of Iranian music performed by some of Minnesota's most talented Iranian-American musicians. The Aras Ensemble, like its namesake river in Iran, navigates through a diverse and rich musical landscape, telling stories of love, nostalgia, longing, hope and happiness. Stories that will be heartfelt by people across languages and cultures.

Aras consists of Niloofar Sohi - viola, Negin Chahardoli - daf, Yashar Alizadeh - guitar and vocals and Aidin Milani - tar, divan & vocal.

Niloofar Sohi will also perform several compositions for viola by contemporary Iranian composers, accompanied by pianist Jordan Buchholtz. The Minnesota Daf Ensemble will play traditional Iranian frame drums and we will end the concert with the hauntingly beautiful vocals of singer Aida Shahghasemi, accompanied by piano prodigy Nima Hafezieh.