This recital by up-and-coming pianist Mahya Mahmooni bridges the rich traditions of Western classical music and Persian musical heritage, reflecting Mahya’s remarkable versatility.
The first half of the concert includes works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin—composers who shaped Western classical music with their mastery of form, harmony, and emotional depth. These pieces set the stage for the second half, which showcases contemporary Iranian compositions. Though rooted in Persian musical elements, these works embrace classical structures, demonstrating how traditional Persian motifs, scales, and rhythms can merge seamlessly with Western forms.
Following the upcoming concert A Celebration of Contemporary Iranian Music at City, University of London in March 2025, this recital continues the exploration of how different musical traditions can coexist and enrich one another. It invites the audience to experience a unique dialogue between past and present, East and West—where the timeless beauty of classical music meets the vibrant, evolving voice of Persian contemporary composition.
The 2025 festival will run from Saturday 14 June to Sunday 20 July.