BBC - Symphony Orchestra

Persepolis: Discovering the Music of Iran
20th-24th February 2006

In association with Iran Heritage Foundation and Naba Arts.

What was it about?
The BBC Symphony Orchestra cleared its schedule for a week of open rehearsals, workshops and performances devoted to the music and culture of Iran. Building on the success of its last two Diverse Orchestras Learning Weeks, it also included the performance of a newly commissioned work by Amir Mahyar Tafreshipour on Friday 24th February.

Who came along?
In total, over 2,500 school children were involved in the week's activities: 250 school children attended open rehearsals and concerts, 10 primary schools in West London received visits from chamber ensembles formed of BBCSO players, and 60 children from the local music authorities of Berkshire, Bromley and Hammersmith & Fulham played alongside members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra in orchestral workshops at Maida Vale Studios.

Iranian Connections
The Dastan Ensemble, an acclaimed group of traditional Iranian musicians, made a special visit to the UK for this week. As well as giving concerts, they led improvisation workshops with the BBCSO and young musicians from Berkshire, Bromley and the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. They also formed an acclaimed Fusion Ensemble with members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Underground Fusion
During the week players from the BBC SO experimented in musical styles and sounds with children from the Rustam Iranian School, and got funky with an Iranian underground band with the aim of bringing East and West together.

Come & Play Iranian Percussion
The public were invited not only to hear some of the rehearsals and collaborations, but were able to "Come and Play" in an Iranian drumming event.

Public Concerts
Thursday 23 February, 7.30pm, Maida Vale Studios
The Dastan ensemble presented a programme of traditional music along with performances with the BBCSO Fusion Ensemble. They were joined by the Helikon Quartet, formed from BBCSO members.
Friday 24 February, 2pm and 7pm, Maida Vale Studios
The week climaxed with two concerts at Maida Vale Studios on Friday 24 February, both of which included the world premiere of A Persian Reflection,a harp concerto by Amir Mahyar Tafreshipour, commissioned by the BBCSO and performed by harpist Sioned Williams.

Dastan Ensemble