Spotlight Sundays: A Yalda Night of Song and Poetry

Spotlight Sundays: A Yalda Night of Song and Poetry with Mahsa Vahdat, Marjan Vahdat, and Atabak Elyasi

Coinciding with the Winter Solstice, this month’s Spotlight Sunday celebrates Yalda Night, an ancient Persian holiday marking the longest night of the year. With performances by internationally acclaimed Iranian Bay Area-based singers Mahsa Vahdat and Marjan Vahdat, accompanied by musician and writer Atabak Elyasi, we will weave together stories of renewal and awakening. 

Following a beautiful musical offering, sisters Mahsa and Marjan—whose practices carry the universal message of humanism and freedom—will share their thoughts on the power of ritual and song in resilience. Then, to mark the longest night of the year, visitors will be invited to share wishes and intentions for the new year, and Mahsa will read from the poet Hafez as a reflection of the year to come. Please join us for this harmonious celebration of hope and light over darkness.

About Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat:

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. 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 and award-winning 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.

About Atabak Elyasi:

Atabak Elyasi is an Iranian-American musician and composer based in Berkeley and a master of the Persian setar—the instrument most commonly used to accompany the voice in traditional Persian music. Atabak has played and performed setar for the majority of his life and has been teaching this sacred instrument for at least 30 years, passing on this lineage to innumerable students. Atabak has worked on several renowned musical projects with 2018 ACTA mentor artist Mahsa Vahdat and her sister Marjan as a setar player, composer, and musical arranger, as well as arranging pieces for the Skruk Choir in Norway and the Kronos Quartet.

Accessibility

Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.