Woman, Life, Freedom; A Monodrama for Solo Violin & SSAA Choir

“Woman, Life, Freedom,” the slogan of the women-led protests in Iran, is a multi-movement piece for Solo Violin and SSAA choir, which is based on the poetry of female Persian poets, from the 18th to the 21st century. Composers Anna Pidgorna, Jane K “Evgeniya Kozhevnikova”, Sarah Rimkus, and Bahar Royaee each composed one movement of this piece, with monologues written by me, the violin soloist, which serve as my compositional debut. 

The texts for the four movements are based on poems that I have a strong personal attachment to, because of their message and poetic voice. The poets Forough Farrokhzad, Simin Behbahani, Mahin Amid, Jaleh Esfahani, and Táhirih, were all strong, brave women who were ahead of their time. Although they were rejected by the more masculine poetry industry of the day, or even by society for their progressive tone and words, they kept fighting for different kinds of freedom in their lives—just like the women in Iran are now. This project was inspired by the artistic potential of collaborations between the performer, composers, and the choir to present a set of works that symbolise a diverse world that goes beyond cultural barriers and empowers women to be leaders. 

The Instrument: A Voice of Hope

In a profound intersection of historical traumas, portions of this work are performed on a priceless instrument from the Violins of Hope collection (“The Auschwitz Violin”). This violin, a survivor of the darkest hours of human history, sings once more to honor those whose lives were taken and those who kept the sparks of liberation alive. It is an instrument of "lived stories," proving that voices of hope can never be truly silenced.

A Story of Exile and Reclamation

This work is also deeply autobiographical. As an immigrant, an artist, and the daughter of teachers and activists, I have woven my own narrative of exile, separation, and the fight for social justice into the fabric of the music. It is a response to the suffering of mothers, daughters, and young girls in my beloved homeland, Iran, and a dedication to all women suffering under oppression, war, and injustice worldwide.