AAVAAZ . The Phoenix’s Song | preview performance

The Song of the Phoenix” is inspired by a beautiful poem by Attar Neishabouri, a 12th‑century Iranian mystic and poet.
In this work, Attar describes the life cycle of the Phoenix and reveals a deeper truth: even for this legendary bird, life is finite. The greatest task in life, he teaches us, is learning to let go and to accept death.

This centuries‑old wisdom formed the foundation for the moving compositions of Shahab Azinmehr. Inspired by the symbolic cycle of the Phoenix, he created music that touches, moves, and lingers long after it is heard. Together with Nathan Daems, Seraphine Stragier, and Farnoosh Khodadadeh — together the ensemble AAVAAZ — he brings The Song of the Phoenix to life.

In voice and sound, life and death are woven together. The concert invites the audience to mourn and celebrate collectively, embracing both the fragility of existence and the power of renewal. The result is a captivating musical experience that will deeply move listeners and continue to reverberate long afterward.

The music was recently recorded. An album release tour is planned for 2026–2027, with the preview performance taking place at the Saint Bavo’s Abbey on 20 June in Ghent.

Shahab Azinmehr: setar, vocals, composition & arrangements
Nathan Daems: saxophone & vocals
Farnoosh Khodadadeh: daf & vocals

Seraphine Stragier: cello, yayli tambur, harp & vocals
Farnoosh Khodadadeh & Josse De Pauw: text & translations

Co-org. De Centrale & Buren van de Abdij

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