Hosted at the La Jolla Community Center in partnership with Persian Place
Join us for an immersive performance by Mohammad Khodadadi, an acclaimed Persian composer and performer on the ney, an ancient end-blown cane flute that plays a central role in Persian mysticism. Born in Iran, and trained by masters of Persian music, Mohammad weaves the haunting sounds of the ney with the dynamic energy of Iranian bagpipes, blending traditional Persian melodies with his own innovative compositions.
Mohammad will invite the audience to experience the expressive range of Persian music, enhanced by his deep knowledge of Western and Persian classical traditions. This close-up encounter promises an evening of captivating sounds and spontaneous musical exchanges, offering rare insight into Iran’s musical heritage through the artistry of one of its most dedicated performers.
Persian Calligraphy and the Ney: A Shared Soul
The cane pen, used for Persian calligraphy, and the cane flute, both termed ney, are two sides of the same art. Both are shaped from reed, one to write poetry in elegant script, the other to give it melodic wings. In Persian culture, the ney symbolizes the soul’s longing, much like calligraphy is a meditative dance of ink and meaning.
Calligraphy also connects to khayyam khani, a tradition of reciting Omar Khayyam’s poetry in the Bushehr region of Iran. Mohammad, a Bushehr native, will perform on the ney anban (Iranian bagpipes), bringing Khayyam’s verses to life. As Mohammad plays, Dr. Yasaman Mostajeran will create Persian calligraphy on the spot and live, transforming Khayyam’s poetry into visual art. These pieces of visual art will be gifted to attendees, making the experience an immersive blend of music, poetry, and artistic expression.
About the Artists
Mohammad Khodadadi started his musical journey on the ney at age 15, He trained rigorously under master musicians, later studying the Persian radif (traditional repertoire) and vocal techniques alongside piano and composition in Iran and Austria. He is currently pursuing Western composition studies at the University of Anton Bruckner in Linz, Austria, and has expanded his expertise to include conducting.
Mohammad performs as a soloist and composer across Europe and Iran and organizes seminars to promote Persian classical music in the West. He teaches Persian music fundamentals in Austrian institutions, along with individual classes in ney, Persian singing, and music theory. His work bridges cultures, blending the depth of Persian musical heritage with Western classical influences, bringing traditional Persian sounds to global audiences with fresh and innovative expressions.
Yasaman Mostajeran, PhD
A child and adolescent psychotherapist in Newport Beach, California, Yasaman specializes in art-based therapy, integrating Iranian mysticism and meditative traditions to support healing through creative expression.
About our Community Partners
Persian Place is a nonprofit organization created to provide space and time for artistic experimentation and research with an emphasis on Persian art. Persian Place was established in Carlsbad in 2022 to celebrate and educate the public about Persian art and culture. Monthly workshops and celebratory events are offered by artists and educators for adults and youth to experience. For more information visit https://persianplace.org/
In a Q&A after the performance, we’ll have the chance to engage directly with the artists and explore their creative process and inspirations. Expect an evening that draws you closer to the beauty and depth of this captivating musical tradition.
Tickets
General Seating: $35
VIP Seating: $55
This event is sold out. There will be no available tickets for purchase at the door.
Complimentary valet parking is available for this event from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Please check in with an attendant near the venue entrance.
2025 Sponsors
Corporate Ambassador
Print Sponsor
This programming is supported in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts.
