Coming September 15, 2011: A Special World Premiere

Save the date–September 15, 2011, when the BJMF and partners present a veryspecial world premiere of Galeet Dardashti’s MONAJAT (Fervent Prayer) at Tufts University. Iranian-descended composer and singer presents an evening of Middle Eastern musical poetry commissioned by the Foundation for Jewish Culture. Using texts recited as a means of reflection and spiritual preparation, Dardashti weaves these lyrical gems that are sung during the month preceding the Jewish New Year into a unique and stunning new piece. She reinvents Persian melodies and Hebrew texts with electronic soundscapes, inclduing recordings of her grandfather Yona Dardashti, a renowned cantor and Persian master singer. The piece includes dynamic video projections designed by Dmitry Kmelnitsky. It’s an evening not to be missed.

Boston is one of six cities selected by the Foundation for Jewish Culture to premiere Monajat through the New Jewish Culture Network, an initiative to bring music and other art forms to various cities throughout the U.S. This program is presented in partnership by the Boston Jewish Music Festival, the New Center for Arts and Culture, the Tufts University Music Department and Tufts Hillel.

Galeet Dardashti’s Monajat commission inaugurates the New Jewish Culture Network, an initiative to create and deliver outstanding music and other art forms to audiences in the U.S. and beyond through a selective network of venues and presenters. This collaboration fosters the Foundation for Jewish Culture’s mission to invest in creative individuals in order to nurture a vibrant and enduring Jewish identity, culture, and community.

The New Jewish Culture Network has received major support from the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Milken Family Foundation, Sylvia M. Neil, and other individual donors. Wardrobe for the Monajat tour has been generously provided by Elie Tahari.