836M will host an intimate program of a cappella works by internationally acclaimed Iranian vocalists Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat. Currently based in Northern California, the sisters are known for their original settings of timeless classical and contemporary Iranian poetry, as well as their own original songs. For their program on November 13, they will sing songs with verse by Hafez, Mohammad Ebrahim Jafari, Forough Farrokhzad, Rumi and many more.
About the Artists
Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat are internationally acclaimed Iranian vocalists, composers, and educators whose artistry is rooted in the profound tradition of Persian classical music while opening new paths of innovation and intercultural dialogue. With voices that carry both intimacy and power, they bring to life a repertoire that bridges past and present, weaving poetry, classical and regional Iranian music, and contemporary expression into a unique musical language.
Over more than three decades, the sisters have created a deeply personal and distinctive vocal dialogue — one that reflects both their shared heritage and their individual expression. In their homeland, where women have been banned from solo singing since 1979, they have carried their voices beyond borders with unwavering resolve. Their music, born of resilience and longing, has touched audiences across the world as a testament to cultural memory and the enduring power of artistic freedom.
Through long-standing collaborations with the Norwegian label Kirkelig Kulturverksted and producer-poet Erik Hillestad, as well as composer-arranger Atabak Elyasi, they have released numerous acclaimed recordings. Their artistic journey has led to encounters with musicians and ensembles such as Kronos Quartet, Tord Gustavsen, Mighty Sam McClain, Bridget Kibbey, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, the Skruk Choir, Zar Theatre, and the Grotowski Institute — creating a rich tapestry where Persian music converses with the sounds of the world.
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