The Resonance of the Land
By Raheleh Filsoofi
Reza Filsoofi
The Resonance of the Land brings together 50 ceramic vessels and drums made from clay sourced across Nashville, inspired by Middle Eastern and North African ceramic traditions, created by artists, and decorated by immigrant communities.
Tonight, these instruments are activated through collective performance, joined by additional instruments representing diverse cultural traditions. This gathering forms a shared chorus of those who have made Nashville their home, contributing to its identity as a city of music. The musicians represent both first- and second-generation immigrant communities, with roots in Iran, Armenia, the Philippines, Honduras, Venezuela, Kurdistan, and the United States. Marking Nowruz and the arrival of spring, the program stands in solidarity with communities facing war, oppression, and displacement.
PROGRAM
PART 1
Held Ground
Performers: Raheleh Filsoofi, Phylicia Roybal, Paige Restel, Sanam Ladi
Music: Reza Filsoofi
Poem by Raheleh Filsoofi
In memory of the thousands of people in Iran who were unjustly killed during the January 2026 crackdowns.
Soug Dance (Mourning Dance)
Dance: Phylicia Roybal
Music and vocal: Reza Filsoofi
Instruments: Setar
The Soug Dance honors Iranian mothers who danced in defiance on their children’s graves. Marking Nowruz, it holds mourning and renewal together.
Translation from Farsi
Rain, oh rain, fall
weep with my heart,
bleed through these dark nights.
For Layla, like Majnun, fall
On mountain and desert,
in memory of the lovers of this land,
for those left without a trace
oh rain
oh rain.
From the Beloved Alley (Ze Kooye Yar Miayad)
Music: Reza Filsoofi, Arash Farhadi, and KCMA Ensemble
Translation from Farsi
From the beloved’s alley comes the breeze of Nowruz
if you seek help from this wind,
you will light the lamp of your heart.
Introduction: Dr. Seth Feman, Director of the Frist Art Museum
PART 2
Invitation to the Armenian Garden (3 pieces)
Performers: Andre Madadian, Hannah Koshgarian, and Reza Filsoofi
Invitation to the Armenian Garden, a springtime reflection carrying both the beauty and the enduring pain of Armenia.
The Tree
Performers: Isidora Miranda, Larissa Maestro, Reza Filsoofi
Three pieces include a traditional Philippine song, Iranian classical melodies, and new compositions written and composed by Larissa Maestro.
Song from Honduras
Vocal: Rosa Rodriguez
First song inspired by the Honduran traditional folklore song
bring you flowers at dawn,
from mountain and field—
a song carried on horseback,
a guitar,
and the heart of the land.
Second song by Rosa Rodriguez
Roots/Mis Raices
Pat Alger
English and Spanish
Roots, my roots
I carry them with me.
Wherever I go,
they go.
Deeper than the sea,
they hold me
here, with myself.
The Resonance of the Land
Ceramic instruments made from Nashville soil
Musicians: Jimmy Lopez, Carlos Duran, Reza Filsoofi, Arash Farhadi and, Arash Kamalian
A collection of rhythms from the Middle East and across the world, bringing sound and song together—evoking resilience, celebration, and community.
Toward Peace, Toward Renewal (Nowruz)
Performance: MonAxi Kimball
The final performance with MonAxi becomes an invitation to gather, to heal, and to welcome the New Year with a hope for peace and justice.
PART 3
At the end of the program, audience members are invited to gather, visit the NICE organization table, enjoy the flower arrangement and hospitality, and explore the In Her Place exhibition.
Many thanks to Tom Eisenbraun and Elijah Matlock.
Participating Artists and Musicians
