Part of a new generation of musicians who are university educated and devoted to their artistic cause, the Vahdats uphold a waning tradition in today’s Iran. With generous support provided by the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Villa Council, these concerts complement the exhibition The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning, on view at the Getty Villa through December 2, 2013.
With limited access to public stages in their homeland, Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat often take to the road, bringing with them lush songs of love and loss. With each concert, they embody the promise of artistic expression to illuminate our common humanity. It is this same hopeful vision that has drawn people throughout the ages to the Cyrus Cylinder. On the occasion of this iconic object’s visit to the Getty Villa, the sisters have created a special evening of music also featuring respected Tehran-based instrumentalists Pasha Hanjani (ney), Atabak Elyasi (setar), and Ali Rahimi (daf).
The performances will take place in the Auditorium at the Getty Villa on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.getty.eduor by calling (310) 440-7300. The Getty Villa will be open Saturday evenings until 9:00 p.m. through November 30. Parking is $15; $10 after 5 p.m. on Saturdays. With the Getty’s “Pay Once, Park Twice” program, visitors to both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa on the same day pay only one parking fee, using a special coupon obtained at the Information Desk of the first museum visited.
The Los Angeles presentation of The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning was made possible by the generous support of Farhang Foundation, the Getty’s sponsor and community partner. This exhibition was organized by the British Museum in partnership with the Iran Heritage Foundation and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, in collaboration with the J. Paul Getty Museum. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities.
Twinklings of Hope: Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat in Concert Date: Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20, 2013 Time: 7:00 p.m. on Saturday; 3:00 p.m. on Sunday Location: Getty Villa, Auditorium Admission: Tickets: $25. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit the event website.