Ensemble Chakâm

Ensemble Chakâm, named after an ancient Persian poetic form, unveils a language of conversing strings, delicate prose and confronting verses, weaving the radiance of Sogol Mirzaei’s tar (Iran) with the silk touch of Christine Zayed’s qanun (Palestine), and the profound tones of Marie-Suzanne de Loye’s viola da gamba (France). Created in 2014 by Sogol Mirzaei to disseminate and popularise the Persian musical tradition, this ensemble brings together three virtuosos of diverse origins who draw upon the classical foundations of Persian, Arabic and Baroque repertoires to create an original musical universe resonant with personal, authentic yet modern compositions expanded through soulfully dexterous improvisations. The melodic richness and rhythmic variety of this unique, timeless collaboration constitutes in the present a commitment to the freedom, especially that of women, to express one’s passion through voice and music.