Musicians and singers can learn Persian musical concepts during an upcoming workshop.
Kiya Tabassian, co-founder of the Constantinople Ensemble, leads a workshop for musicians and singers on Saturday (Nov. 7). Tabassian is offering the workshop while visiting Nanaimo for the Sunya, Sinha Dance and Constantinople performance at the Port Theatre Friday (Nov. 6).
Tabassian will explore musical improvisation in non-Western traditions, with a focus on Persian musics. Objectives include gaining an understanding of Perisan musical concepts, developing improvisation abilities in modul music, learning how to hear and play microtones and developing inner musical creativity.
Tabassian was born in Iran and emigrated to Canada with his family when he was 14. He had a background in ancient Persian music, which taught himself while growing up in Quebec.
He studied composition at Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal. In 1988 he co-founded the Constinople Ensemble with his brother Ziya. Tabassian has performed throughout the world.
The three-hour workshop starts at 11 a.m. The event is at the Living Room Studio, located at 210 St. George St. The workshop is $30. Pre-registration is required by going to www.crimsoncoastdance.org.