Iranian Festival celebrates millennia of culture
The festival theme, exploring diversity, introduces the public to Tirgan, an ancient Iranian celebration observed in July.
There are many legends regarding the origins of Tirgan. The most popular legend relates that Iran and Turan, two long-standing enemies, decided to declare peace by demarcating the boundaries between the two empires.
Arash, the best archer in the Iranian army, was chosen to ascend Mount Damavand to shoot an arrow whose landing location would determine the boundary. According to legend, the arrow flew from dawn to noon and fell on the banks of Jihun, thus expanding the boundaries of Iran beyond all expectations. This good fortune led to the creation of the Tirgan Festival and has since contributed to enhancing the richness of the Iranian culture over the course of three millennia.
The Tirgan Festival will showcase internationally acclaimed artists as well as local performers of Iranian descent who celebrate Iranian heritage through music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature and the visual arts. The festival also features Iranian cuisine and arts and crafts made available by vendors. Here's a look at a few of the artists who will be taking the stage at this year's event.
Babak Amini
A talented and accomplished Iranian musician and guitarist, Amini had his first experience with music under the direction of his mentor and renowned teacher Shahrokh Partovi. Amini moved to Canada in 2000 and had his first instrumental concert at the Ontario Science Centre in North York. While in Toronto, he expanded his musical knowledge incorporating different styles of jazz and flamenco.
In 2006, Amini relocated to Los Angeles in order to more actively pursue his musical career.
The Babak Amini ensemble hits the Sirius Stage on Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 20 at 8 p.m. for two special performances.
The Lian Ensemble
This performance group is made up of virtuoso performers and composers. Their powerful compositions fuse Persian musical heritage with the contemporary sounds of post-modern jazz.
The ensemble's unique musical sound has captured the imagination of critics and audience members across the globe. The group performs at Sirius Stage on Saturday, July 19 at 9:30 p.m. for a one-night only show.
The Chakavak Ensemble
Founded by Reza Manbachi in 1998 in Iran, the Chakavak Ensemble was re-established in Toronto in 2004 after Manbachi's immigration to Canada.
Chakavak is an ensemble of musicians founded on the love of Persian music and a desire to promote and perform this tradition at a professional level for Canadian audiences.
To date, the group has successfully performed in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Kingston and Waterloo. Hear this versatile ensemble at the Lakeside Terrace on Sunday, July 20 at 4:30 p.m.
This year's Tigran Festival is sure to be another success in the tradition of this great event. Visit www.tirgan.ca for details.
Jon Sarpong is a diversity consultant. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.
