Presented by Small World Music

Experience a powerful musical evening that brings the voices of Iranian women to life. Led by Iranian-American composer and santoor player Ehsan Matoori, this moving performance features the captivating vocals of Maliheh Moradi and Mina Deris, alongside Grammy-winning bassist Edward Perez.

As a part of ISHQ Festival, this evening invites audiences on a journey through Persian poetry and classical music. Drawing from the words of poets like Rumi and Hafez as well as modern writers such as Hossein Monzavi, Fereydoon Moshiri, and Mohammad Saleh Ala, the show explores love, longing, freedom, and cultural identity through a blend of poetry, music, and storytelling.

About the Artist:
Voices Unveiled is a deeply emotional musical project by Iranian-American composer and santoor player Ehsan Matoori, that shines light on the voices of Iranian women who are not permitted to sing solo in public in their homeland. With extraordinary performances by vocalists Maliheh Moradi and Mina Deris, and supported by Edward Perez, the project blends traditional Persian music with global contemporary sounds to tell stories of silence, resistance, and resilience.

At the heart of the project is the poetry, drawn from both classical and contemporary Persian poets. Lyrics inspired by Rumi and Hafez meet the words of modern voices like Hossein Monzavi, Fereydoon Moshiri, and Mohammad Saleh Ala, weaving a powerful emotional tapestry that reflects love, exile, hope, and longing. Matoori’s compositions bring these texts to life through a musical language that merges Persian tradition with international instrumentation—featuring santoor, bass, clarinet, and percussion.

This project celebrates Iran’s cultural legacy while reimagining it for today’s world. Voices Unveiled opens a space for connection and creative freedom, offering audiences a rare chance to hear the voices of Iranian women brought forward with beauty and strength. Voices Unveiled invites listeners into a space of connection, beauty, and artistic freedom.

Join us for an evening that honours the voices of Iranian women, bringing them to the forefront with beauty, courage, and heartfelt expression.

Doors open at 7:00 PM

Ishq Festival is funded in part by the Government of Canada