DeutschIncense of Music 64
A multisensory concert – Friday, 13. June 2025, 8 pm
Mazyar Younesi: piano, voice
Rouzbeh Fadavi: drums
Roshanak Rafani: percussion
Fabio Dondero (Incense burning): Boswellia
PANDA Platforma in der Kulturbrauerei, Knaackstr. 97, 10435 Berlin
Join us for an immersive evening where sound and scent merge into a unique artistic journey. The Donavazi Project from Iran brings a contemporary approach to Persian musical traditions, weaving intricate piano and drum compositions that transcend time and place. This special concert will be enhanced by the ancient aroma of Boswellia incense, creating a deep sensory connection between music, space, and perception. As the melodies unfold, the rich fragrance will amplify the emotional and meditative dimensions of the performance. This event is not recommended for people who are sensitive to smoke.
The Donavazi Project was established in 2021 by Mazyar Younesi, a pianist, and Rouzbeh Fedavi, a drummer. The project travels over the melody, structure, and various motifs of Iranian music using the piano and drums. These instruments have a broad sonic range and versatile coloring capabilities, allowing for a new approach to performing and interpreting Iranian music. With the inspiration of Iranian musical forms and logics, the project seeks to challenge the limits of music within a traditionbased framework and take listeners on a unique journey.
CHARGHAHI
In the Radif music of Iran, each Dastgah and Avaz is characterized by features that convey a unique atmosphere and different ambiance to the listener. This ambiance is a distinctive sonic space defined by musical intervals and the music’s nuances, accents, rises, and falls. The Dastgah-e Chahargah comprises four main “Gāhs” or maqams, each with its specific name: Daramad, Hesār, Zābol, and Mokhālef. Chahargahi Album is a collection of personal interpretations of the Dastgah-e Chahargah. The execution of this project adheres to the principles of Iranian Chamber Music in terms of phrases, forms, and rhythmic-melodic-harmonic parts while aiming to expand the emotional dimensions of Chahargah. The harmonies sometimes discover meaning in the overtones of metallic percussion instruments and other times in the modulations of the piano, transforming this collection into a novel experience in Iranian music.
MEMBERS
Mazyar Younesi is an Iranian pianist, composer, conductor, and singer. He began his musical journey by learning the tombak and later taught himself the setar, studying the Radif of Iranian music. He chose piano as his primary instrument and continued his M.A. in composition at the University of Tehran. Since 2008, Mazyar Younesi has been involved with the Austrian Cultural Forum, performing classical singing and later experiencing choral and orchestral conducting. Additionally, he has served as the artistic director and conductor of the Iran-Austria Symphony Orchestra (AISO) since 2014. He is composing for numerous films, series, and animations, and Performing at various festivals in different countries has allowed him to collaborate with international musicians.In 2021, Maziar Younesi started the Donavazi Project with Rouzbeh Fadavi.
Rouzbeh Fadavi, composer, rhythm designer, and drummer, began his musical journey at 17 with the guitar but ultimately chose the drums as his primary instrument. He graduated in architecture and has participated in numerous projects as a composer and drummer, including Diminished Quartet, Tenor Trio, Zaffron Collective, and others. He has also composed music for theater, participated in various international music festivals, and collaborated with international musicians. In 2021, Roozbeh Fadavi started the Donavazi Project with Mazyar Younesi.
GUEST
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.
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. This ancient substance has been highly valued for its use in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicine. The resin is harvested by making small incisions in the tree bark, allowing the sap to ooze out and harden into beads of frankincense. Known for its rich, earthy aroma with hints of citrus and spice, frankincense has been used in religious and cultural ceremonies for thousands of years. It is believed to possess various therapeutic properties, such as reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing meditation practices. High-quality frankincense is primarily sourced from regions like Somalia and Oman, where the unique climate and soil conditions contribute to its distinctive fragrance and beneficial qualities.
