MAY 12 to 14
(Film)  THE VOICE OF IRAN: MOHAMMED REZA SHAJARIAN 

Mon: 7:30pm, Tues: 9:30pm, Weds: 7:30pm

DENMARK 2003 // Director: Christian Braad Thomsen // 97 min // DigiBeta

Ticket info:  http://www.vifc.org/media/print/voiceprint.html 
 
Mohammad Reza Shajarian is one of the most important world music singers alive. He was awarded 
the Picasso Prize by UNESCO, a rare honour only given to the greatest, among them Shostakovich, 
Menuhin and Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn. 

In this Danish film, shot during his European tour of 2002, he agreed to be interviewed by a Western 
filmmaker for the first time. 

Shajarian talks extensively about the spiritual world of music and its clash with today’s political reality. 
And he talks about the art of improvising combined with his love for the traditional Iranian poetry. 
He is joined by master musicians Hossein Alizadeh on tar and Kayhan Kalhor on kamancheh. 
Shajarian's son Homayoun Shajarian sings and accompanies on tombak.

Christian Braad Thomsen shoots Shajarian in concert using long, meditative shots, which allow for 
full concentration on the music. Subtitles provide access to the poetic lyrics. See the film, and 
don't miss the chance to see Shajarian live! 

Caravan World Rhythms presents in Collaboration with the UBC Persian Club and Nava Art Centre 
Mohammed Reza Shajarian & the Ava Ensemble, May 4, 8:00 pm, Orpheum Theatre. 
Tickets: ticketmaster.ca, 604-280-4444. www.caravanbc.com.