BCC presents virtuoso “Miracles of Rhythm” in April 15 concert of classical Iranian music

BELLEVUE, WASH. – "Miracles of Rhythm," a quartet of virtuoso performers of classical Iranian music, will appear in concert at Bellevue Community College (BCC) on Saturday, April 15.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in Carlson Theatre on the BCC main campus (3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, off 148th Ave. S.E.).

Admission is free for students with valid ID from any school Tickets for others are $20 and are available at the business center in BCC’s C Building or at the door.

Each of the four musicians in the ensemble is a highly accomplished performer in his own right.

Siamak Pouian, a highly acclaimed Persian tonbak (drum) player, is best known for his ability to improvise. Pouian has performed throughout the world and has accompanied many prominent Persian vocalists and instrumentalists. For the past nine years he has been a music professor at University of California in Santa Barbara. A pioneer in his field, Pouian continues to inspire audiences with his explosive repertoire.

Persian-born Mohammad Nejad is a master of many Persian and Western instruments, including ney (flute); zurna (similar to the Western oboe); Western flute; santur and kanun (hammered zithers); oud, setar, dotar and tar (plucked string instruments of the lute family); daf, dumbek and zarb (types of drums); violin; accordion; and keyboards. Currently a resident of the San Francisco Bay area, Nejad has performed throughout Asia, Europe and the United States.

Persian-born Saman Mahmudi will play the santoor (hammered zither). Well-known for improvisation, Mahmudi has performed often with variety of noted Iranian musicians.

Dr. Hossein Sadrzadeh, a Seattle resident, is the vocalist of the ensemble. Dr. Sadrzadeh started his formal training at age 15 and was a member of the University of Isfahan Orchestra for several years.

For more information about the concert, contact Dr. Iraj Paydar at ipaydar@cascadia.ctc.edu.

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