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REVIEWS
NJ Snider, Director, Music Program, American University, Washington, D.C.: "Roya has achieved a level of artistry that few can claim. The message of her music is uniquely profound, far reaching and inspiring in the extreme. All who hear her will be changed for the better by the experience. I had the pleasure of inviting Roya to present her music to a large group of our students in a lecture recital format. The presentation was excellent and had a tremendous and far reaching impact on the students. The value and inspiration that was generated by this was immeasurable. She has a richness and depth of character that transcends all boundaries real and imaginary. I give her my highest recommendation." Full letter of commendation in PDF. Fall 2008
Dr. Maritheresa Frain, Director, Council on International Educational Exchange, Seville, Spain: "The evening could not have been more enchanting. The Persian musical selections of Roya and Antonio were passionate, tender and inspiring. With or without words, you could feel the intensity of how this music lives and thrives in Roya. The fact that the event took place in a museum related to flamenco in Seville, served only to accentuate the interest of the legacy of Persian music in the Al-Andalus tradition. It was truly a magical event." March 2008.
Dr. Ellen Echeverria, George Washington University School of Languages, Washington, D.C.: "All in all, we could have not wished for a more enriching program, one that opened up new avenues of awareness and appreciation in our journey of coming to a better understanding of our world." Full letter of commendation in PDF Fall 2007.
Dr. Laura Renninger, Shepherd University School of Music, Sheperdstown, WV: "Everyone has found her work to be incredibly enlightening and inspiring. She has broadened our horizons in many ways. Even weeks after her presentation, students are still discussing ideas that she introduced." Full letter of commendation in PDF Fall 2007.
Dr. Victor Vicente, The George Washington University School of Music, Washington, D.C.: "Roya is both an exceptional virtuoso soloist and the consummate collaborative musician. The mysticism she brings to her music transcends the divides of culture and politics. Indeed, the ease in which she makes her art understandable to uninitiated audiences and her ability to work with musicians of other cultures without sacrificing any of the essentials of the Persian tradition, make her truly indispensable in our troubled times." Full letter of commendation in PDF Fall 2007.
Katherine Zapantis Keller, Assistant Dean, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, George Washington University: “Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a recital offered by an expert in the Persian music of Andalusia in conjunction with the Dean’s Seminar. It was a fascinating lecture and performance and I want to thank Professor Echeverria and Professor Ahlquist of the Music Department for making it possible.” Fall 2007.
Dr. Peter Rollberg, Chair, Department of Romance, German, and Slavic Languages and Literatures, George Washington University: "The music had a hypnotic quality to it, and I was sometimes listening as if in trance. I envy your students who learn to understand and appreciate such beautiful and mysterious layers of culture.” Fall 2007.
Dr. David Cain, Professor of Religion, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA: “Thank you again for the splendid performance at University of Mary Washington on Friday evening, 19 January. To send you a few words regarding my reaction as one coming utterly new to the santur and to your music: First, a rain of notes, a complexity of sound which seems greater than the striking of strings with two mallets could ever produce. Sometimes I hear a piano. Sometimes the sounds seem more guitar-like. The sound changes color as it evokes its own time--and space—with magical allure. Your own voice is wonderfully suited to your instrument. As an indication of this: I was aware, well into the music, of when you began to sing. I was never aware that the singing had ceased. Thank you for your artistry. Thank you for your gift.” January 27, 2007
Mahnaz Afkhami, CEO Women's Learning Partnership: “It is stunning. You have done a great job blending the music and poetry." re: ROYA CD. Fall 2007.
Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak, Director, The Center for Persian Studies, University of Maryland: “Ms. Roya Bahrami is a master composer and hammer dulcimer player, who is doing some exciting work within the genre of traditional Persian music.” April 13, 2007
Dr. Laura Renninger, Associate Professor of Music, Department of Music and Theater, Shepherd University, WV. “Dear Roya, Thank you so much for sharing your talent and expertise with our world music class. The students found your presentation enjoyable and enlightening.” November 14, 2006
Mahnaz Afkhami, President and CEO, Women’s Learning Partnership, Washington DC. “Dear Roya, It was wonderful to see you and to hear your exhilarating performance last Sunday. As an Iranian I was proud to share the work of such a talented compatriot with my colleagues from around the world. Many thanks and with my warmest good wishes.” September 14, 2006
Jon Seligman, Percussion Music Faculty, McDaniel College:“Your performances touched quite a few people. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing you and playing as well.” .April 6, 2006
Dr. Mohamed Esa, Chair, Department of Foreign Languages, McDaniel College. “Her lecture/performance were excellent.” April 2006
Dr. Laura Renninger, Associate Professor of Music, Department of Music and Theater, Shepherd University, WV: “Thanks Roya! I've heard nothing but wonderful things about the presentation!” (November 2004). “Thanks again Roya for the outstanding presentation! The students said it was "the coolest thing ever". That's a direct quote! “ (November 2003). “Thank you again for coming in this week and playing for the class. I have heard so many wonderful comments from the students -- they really enjoyed hearing the santur!” (December 2002).
Mahnaz Afkhami, Executive Director, Foundation for Iranian Studies: “Dear Ms. Bahrami: On behalf of the Foundation for Iranian Studies and the participants of the Resident Associate Program of the Smithsonian institution’s course on the arts of Timurid Persia I would like to thank you for your splendid performance on the Santur. Your fine rendition of Persian classical music made the reception following the final session a wonderful experience for all who were present. Wishing you great success in your future professional and artistic endeavors, I thank you for your support of the Foundation’s program and for your wonderful performance.” May 24, 1989
Cait Hartney: “Roya's concert was breathtaking. The music was so precise and deep with meaning, that I found it to be entrancing. The way she moved the lines to consist of a melody and a base line was shocking since it was only one instrument making the sounds of many. Her lecture before was really helpful to re-establish the dates and history of the music. It helped clarify the ancestry behind such sounds. Her music taught me a lot about other cultures' music. I realized that even if you cannot understand the words being sung, you can still hear the meaning behind the tones. I saw a deeper side to European music through her recital. I honestly want to look up more music like hers. This was a great idea for a class and really helped establish a more concrete view on everything we've been learning about. Thanks!” George Washington University. Fall 2007.
Marissa Ciampi: “I thoroughly enjoyed Roya Bahrami's presentation today! She is an amazing musician. I could really feel the mysticism that she spoke about being tied with these songs. When she played, I felt as if put in a trance. The music sounded beautiful, and definitely conveyed so much more emotion live than on a cd. I also am really glad she could get a percussionist, because the drums definitely added to the performance. Her speech was also really good in that it especially underscored what we have been learning in class. ” George Washington University. Fall 2007.
Renee Nichols: “I was completely entranced by Ms. Bahrami’s music. I was simply blown away with her mastery of the instrument. The range of emotions in her music captivated me. With one instrument she was able to create sounds it takes a whole orchestra to create. Her dedication and love for music was obvious, you could hear it when she spoke of music and see it when she played. It was, in some ways, how I imagined Ziryab. I learned more about the history of Persian music and how it traveled to Spain. Ms. Bahrami’s music really demonstrated to me the power of music. Her music brought out many different emotions in me that were otherwise hidden.” George Washington University. Fall 2007.
Sam Taterka: “When she began to play, the music was unlike anything I had ever heard. The sound produced was very trance like and at the same time sort of mysterious in a way. This feeling was especially intensified when she read poetry while playing, as the tone she spoke in sent chills down your spine. What made the recital ever more fascinating though was the thought that people sat and listened to this instrument being played over 1,200 years ago. It was a great experience, which taught me that age does not matter when it comes to a tradition such as the one we engaged in.” George Washington University. Fall 2007.
University of Maryland Annual Newsletter: “The multi-cultural Roya Ensemble performed original music in which the mysticism of Persian melodies and poetry blend with Spanish flamenco. The concert, held in conjunction with a conference, titled “Jews and Muslims in Islamic Lands: Conflict, Coexistence, Confluence” and sponsored by the Meyerhoff Center on the theme of interactions between Jews and Muslims through history, demonstrated the cultural roots of traditional, spiritual Persian music and its reach and influence outward”. Persiphony III. Full article PDF . Summer 2008.
Catherine Thomas, The Oregonian:“In the space of a solo on the stage of the Portland Art Museum's Grand Ballroom, flamenco artist Carmela Greco distilled a power that comes only with age. "Intimo," which played Thursday night, was a welcome return to the pleasures of flamenco puro with soulful ballads by guitarist Richard Marlow, vocalist/percussionist El Yiyiand Persian composer Roya Bahrami on santur.” Monday, October 24, 2005
PJL, Dirty Linen, The magazine of folk and world music: “Probe (Probe Music Productions (1999)) This release marks the debut of Iranian due Said Amintinat (guitar) and Roya Bahrami (santur). They present a sparkling and rhythmically sophisticated mix of new age, Persian, Indian, Gypsy, and jazz musics. The two play well off of each other, and get very capable help from Barry Dove (percussion), Humayun Farzad (vocals and harmonium), and Debu Nayak (tabla). While they are often in danger of drifting off into the ether of new-age spaciness, Nayak's tabla and Farzad's well-phrased vocals keep them on track. Fans of Oregon will find much to like here.” June/July 2000
AUDIO GLIPHIX music review magazine:“Probe is Sunday morning music. Newspaper and brunch. Intricate instrumental compositions that draws from various ethnic cultures. The principles, composer Said Amintinat and santur arranger Roya Bahrami are both classically trained musicians originally from Iran. Collaborators Barry Dove, (U.S. born percussionist), Afghanistan native Humayun Farzad (vocals) and tabla player Debu Nayak, originally from India, round out the ensemble. By exploring the music of their homelands alone, this album spans the globe. But Probe goes further. The ensemble delves into Spanish gypsy traditional, American jazz, Gamelan music from Southeast Asia, Afro Cuban rhythms and Raga cycles from India. ‘Probe’ is like listening to a four act play, where the music is the star. The compositions move you through each act.” Fall 1999.
SIGI, A Publication of The Sisterhood is Global Institute. “Roya Bahrami, who has played the santur for audiences around the world, performed a magnificent set of arranged pieces, many of which were her own compositions.” Fall/Winter 1997
Peter H. Burris, Washington D.C.: “Her performance displayed an amazing grasp of harmonics, ensemble collaboration, and nuance, alike. Boasting a tone akin to burnished copper, the santur hints at the poetry of Rumi and the ancient gardens of centuries gone. The piece titled Carmela demonstrated how seamlessly syncretic Iranian and Spanish music can sound. Often, percussion anchors a fly-away melody which might seem too ephemeral without a substantive beat. In Roya's compositions, though, the djembe and riqq seemed to give wings to the santur, elevating the work to something magical I got chills listening. While the performance was billed as a Musical Pilgrimage to Iran, I thought it was a one-way ticket to heaven.” Fall 2007.
Amy Wilson, Visual Artist, Washington D.C.“How nice to have your CD too - to draw out your concert without end. Just the right blends and touches with plenty of soul and heart forthcoming and communicating. I am so impressed how you integrated the various threads and streams into a beautiful Unity of music. The Flamenco was particularly impressive. The way you brought the English versions of the gorgeous expressive poetry and then sang the Farsi felt as if it was part of the song. All in all there was so much depth of expression. I have seldom heard Rumi or Hafiz applied more beautifully.” Fall 2007.
" G.R. Memar, San Fransisco, CA:I have to say that all the tracks are good and it is hard to pick few among them. But if asked, I would say Message, Beloved, Intoxicated with love, and Carmela. Great work. I really hope to see her in performance around here." Fall 2007.
Norah Lopez, McLain, VA: "Roya is a wonderful musician. I love the CD, her voice, sweet, deep, romantic-- santur, the fusion with flamenco. She is gifted she has the music in herself. I highly recommend this CD." Fall 2007.Alaleh Ashtari, Wilmington, DE: "I highly recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates great music. "Roya" is a wonderful combination of absolutely beautiful instrumental music and truly inspirational poetry. Roya is a gifted musician and her passion for music comes through in this album. I listen to "Roya" often and look forward to the next CD!" Fall 2007.
David Corry, Houston, TX : "Listening to Roya play the santur is truly a sublime experience-soothing, mystical, exciting, entrancing. Roya achieves a seamless fusion of ancient and modern musical and even spiritual themes. I highly recommend “Roya” to anyone seeking enrichment through music." Fall 2007.
Azita Amjadi, Rockville, MD: “I enjoyed her CD very much including Roya's beautiful voice. It is hard to pick a favorite song since they are all great.” Fall 2007.
Hossein Samiei, Washington, D.C.: “I was truly moved by the music and songs on this CD. They show a unique and unsual combination of talent, passion, and spirtuality.” Fall 2007.
Frank Klisch, Fairfax, VA: “My favorite is "Message". I can close my eyes and see the Flamenco dancers. Another favorite is "The Beloved"; it is mellow and very soothing. All of the songs and mix of styles are great, and the introduction "On The Path" is awesome. You certainly are very talented.” Fall 2007.
Pezhman Akbari, Bronx, NY: “Thank you for inspiring our spirits with your talent. I keep playing your CD all the time-- it made me more serious to learn Santur.” Fall 2007.
Shirin Z Tehrani Germantown, MD: “The music transports the listener to faraway lands. She is a gifted musician and I highly recommend this CD to anyone that loves Persian music.” Fall 2007.
OASIS CD Manufacturing: "Weeping Clown is very beautiful, as, indeed, was your whole CD. I'm very impressed & touched by your work.” Summer 1999.