Dela Ensemble and Mahya Panahi Deliver a Mystical Evening of Persian Classical Music

Sydney audiences were treated to a mesmerizing performance as four members of Dela Ensemble joined forces with the celebrated Tanbour player Mahya Panahi, creating a profound fusion of Persian classical music and Tanbour Maqams. The performance was a journey through mystical poetry, sacred rhythms, and intricate improvisation, leaving the audience in a state of reflective wonder.

The evening opened with Ramin Etemadzadeh’s evocative vocals, which carried the spiritual depth of Persian poetry with grace and emotional intensity. His voice seamlessly guided the ensemble through the intricate Dastgah modal system, providing a lyrical anchor for the performance.

Mahya Panahi on Tanbour brought an ethereal, resonant tone that intertwined beautifully with the ensemble’s classical instruments. Her mastery of Maqams infused the music with a timeless quality, bridging tradition with a deeply personal expressive voice.

Amirsalar Makhzani on Daf and Ali Tahamtani on Tar Bass provided a rhythmic and harmonic foundation that was both steady and subtly dynamic, allowing for rich interplay with the melodic instruments. Meanwhile, Sina Bastami’s Kamancheh added lyrical ornamentation, weaving melodic lines that danced above the ensemble’s intricate textures.

Together, the musicians created a sacred musical space where improvisation, tradition, and emotional resonance coexisted. The performance was not just a display of technical mastery, but an invitation into a shared spiritual journey, highlighting the enduring power of Persian music to connect, transcend, and inspire.

By the final notes, the audience was left deeply moved, having experienced a performance that honored the heritage of Persian music while exploring its limitless expressive possibilities.