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Sime Bina and the Lian Ensemble
UCLALive Presents the Persian Folk Singer
Sima Bina is one of those people you never see coming. Expressive, entrancing, and moving, she’s one who effortlessly takes over the space. As one of the premier artists in Persian classical and folk music and as one of Iran’s most distinguished folk and classical singers, Sima Bina looms over a saturated male-dominated sector. She is most widely respected for her enchanting voice combined with the heart and vision that is only appropriate for the enthusiasm she has for what she does.
Her desire is brought about through extensive research into centuries of traditions. Born in northeastern Iran, Sima Bina grew up in an ancient cultural crossroads where Afghan, Persian, Turkish and Kurdish customs and music have co-existed for centuries. The goal of her research was to record and share a decadent and desperately surviving culture of traditional music. She performs lullabies from all parts of Iran, many that were never written down, collected personally by her from women in rural villages. Even without translation, it is clear she understands what it means to pass on much more than a song, she is keeping a beautiful history alive. Her depth of explorations of the great wealth and range of cultures within Iran redefine modern perceptions of Persian music as being an inclusive and perhaps intimidating art form. What sets her apart from other female singers in the culture is that element she has in her voice that’s rare to find as she is the only one who is in both folk and classical music. Even when it put Sima Bina in jeopardy, as public singing by females was and largely remains forbidden, she stayed strong to her vision.
Sima Bina is making a rare appearance in Los Angeles with the highly acclaimed Lian Ensemble and together they will present a stunning blend of music. The voice is heard in all its power and confidence with the others, members of the L.A.-based Lian Ensemble, all Iranian expatriates. Together they’re preparing for a landmark North American tour, focusing on the music and words of composer-poet Aref Ghazvini, whose music reflected and commented on the transitions of culture into modern times under the first Shah. Evocative and exhilarating, the music presented is an authentic expression of a way of life and a rejection of rigid boundaries, preferring simplicity, authenticity, joy, and hope.
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