DeutschIncense of Music Nr. 55
A multisensory concert – Friday, 24th May 2024, 8 pm.
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei,
Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
In its 55th concert Incense of Music is presenting a musical project by Iranian musicians and their international collaborators. “Rondo Projects takes its name as a testament to a series of collaborative musical endeavors initiated by Ehsan Sadigh, an accomplished composer and guitarist, and Mazyar Younesi, a versatile composer and pianist. Together with the multifaceted percussionist Roshanak Rafani, they embarked on their musical journey in October 2023 in Berlin. Fostering a culture of continuous evolution, each edition of Rondo Projects sees the trio collaborating with diverse musicians and instrumentalists. The inaugural edition featured collaborations with Niki Yaghmaee, a skilled viola player, and Golsana Shenasaei, an adept cello player. In their upcoming Edition Berlin No. 2, the band will meet Ruben Staub, an aspiring Clarinet and Bass Clarinet payer. The music of Rondo Projects is the reflection of the lived musical experience of its members. The group places a significant emphasis on improvisation within the process of composition and on the stage, providing a platform for the musicians to stretch their creativity and explore new dimensions.”
Piano, Voice: Mazyar Younesi
Percussion: Roshanak Rafani
Viola: Niki Yaghmaee
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet: Ruben Staub
Mastic, also known as mastiha or mastix, is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). It has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a chewing gum, a flavoring agent in cooking, and notably as an incense. When used as incense, mastic resin emits a sweet, woody fragrance with subtle hints of pine and citrus. This aroma is often described as refreshing and uplifting, making it popular for use in religious ceremonies, meditation practices, and aromatherapy. In addition to its pleasant scent, mastic incense is believed to have various therapeutic properties. It has been traditionally used to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and enhance focus and concentration. Some cultures also associate mastic incense with purification and spiritual cleansing rituals.
Galbanum is a resin obtained from the Ferula galbaniflua plant, native to the Middle East and regions around the Mediterranean. It has been used for centuries as incense due to its distinctive aroma and therapeutic properties. When burned as incense, galbanum emits a complex, green, and earthy fragrance with hints of balsamic sweetness. In ancient times, it was prized for its purported healing properties and was believed to have purifying and balancing effects on the mind and body. Overall, galbanum incense offers a rich and complex fragrance that can enhance various rituals and therapeutic experiences, providing a connection to nature and a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Ehsan Sadigh, 1980, Iran An accomplished Montreal-based artist specializing in guitar and composition, Ehsan Sadigh is a well-established composer, renowned for his contributions to film scores and ensemble performances. With numerous accolades for his musical scores both in Iran and abroad, Ehsan is the founder and leader of the Quartet Diminished, a contemporary jazz band with three albums published by Hermes Records. Collaborating with esteemed musicians like Colin Bass, Tony Levin, and Markus Reuter, their upcoming album, set for release by MoonJune Records in 2024, attests to Ehsan’s continuous commitment to musical excellence. As an individual composer and performer, he has collaborated on various albums, including “AX” published by Discordian Records, where he worked alongside Vasco Trilla, a Spanish drummer, and the Barcelona-based saxophonist Liba Villavecchia.
Mazyar Younesi, 1983, Iran A Tehran-based versatile musician engaged in various musical activities, including composition, conducting, piano performance, and countertenor singing. He is a successful composer recognized for his involvement in orchestral and ensemble projects, as well as for his contributions to film and animation scores, which have garnered him several awards. Mazyar possesses a background in Iranian music, demonstrating proficiency with instruments such as Tombak and Setar. Additionally, his academic knowledge spans piano performance and composition. Since 2016, he has held the role of music director and conductor for the Austro-Iranian Symphony Orchestra (AISO). In the realm of contemporary jazz music, Mazyar serves as the composer and pianist for the Quartet Diminished. He has been showcased at the Show of Hands Festival in Iran and Turkey for the years 2017, 2018, and 2023.
Roshanak Rafani, 1994, Iran A multi-dimensional Berlin-based percussionist, Roshanak Rafani’s diverse background in both Iranian and Classical music has enabled her to transcend conventional genre boundaries, nurturing her artistic curiosity. Specializing in instruments such as Daf and 2 Tombak, she has showcased her talents internationally, performing solo and as part of ensembles like the Mahbanoo Ensemble. A graduate of percussion performance from the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin, Roshanak boasts extensive experience performing with esteemed orchestras such as the Austro-Iranian Symphony Orchestra (AISO), Junge Philharmonie Berlin, Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin (DKO), and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra under the direction of Daniel Barenboim. In the contemporary music sphere, Roshanak has collaborated with various musicians and ensembles, including the Pierre Boulez Ensemble, Lugano Percussion Ensemble, and Cymin Samawatie.