The Art of the Ney: Contemporary Sounds of Iran with Mohammad Khodadadi
Hosted at the La Jolla Community Center
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. The sound of the ney is said to express the human soul’s longing for union with God, drawing listeners into an introspective, contemplative state. 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 both 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.
In a Q&A after the performance, we’ll have the chance to engage directly with the artist and explore his creative process and inspirations. Expect an evening that draws you closer to the beauty and depth of this captivating musical tradition.
About the artist:
Mohammad Khodadadi, born in Bushehr, Iran, 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.
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This programming is supported in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts.
