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Prince of Sorrows
A Theatrical Symphonic Poem

Creator, Designer, Director: Hamid Rahmanian
Original Music by Loga Ramin Torkian
Feature vocalist: Azam Ali

From award winning artist, Hamid Rahmanian, comes a revolutionary concert experience.  This new project features beautiful projected animation, a symphonic poem* by Iranian composer Loga Ramin Torkian, the ethereal voice of world-renowned singer Azam Ali, and a dynamic lighting design utilized as a visual storytelling element. The result is a performance that will trigger the senses in the minds and bodies of the audience, taking them on a spectacular voyage through one of Iran's most influential literary tragedies.

Prince of Sorrows tells the moving tale of Siavosh, a young Prince whose pursuit of good virtue and integrity is never enough to outrun his ill-starred fate. The promise of a better tomorrow is his only comfort as he is thrust from one misadventure to the next. Likened to a Shakespearian Tragedy, Siavosh’s journey ultimately leads him to a hero’s death that gives birth to a nation’s peace and prosperity.  Still relevant today, the legend of Siavosh is synonymous with sacrifice and rebirth.

Prince of Sorrow is the third installment of Rahmanian’s Shahnameh Trilogy, followed by Song of the North (2022) and Feathers of Fire (2016).  Building on his artistic vision to highlight the art and culture of Iran, Rahmanian imbues the imagery with facets of Persian paintings, miniatures, architecture and calligraphy. Torkian’s long career as a film composer and his groundbreaking approach to the music genre of world fusion informs this new score, seamlessly blending classical Iranian melodies, rhythms, and passages with the richness of a Western orchestra. The lighting design transports the audio-visual components off the screen and stage, engulfing the audience in a dazzling display. The crowning component of this piece is award-winning vocalist Azam Ali, who plays dual roles: ethereal voice that intertwines with the orchestra, layering complex emotions into the music; and the role of Fate who pursues the young Siavosh, providing context and narrative layers to the overall experience. Combined, these four elements create a truly unique catalyst for audiences to ponder the hand of destiny when faced with difficult choices.

Prince of Sorrow was originally conceived and commissioned as part of the Silkroad Ensemble’s music and art collaborative project Heroes Take Their Stand in 2019.

*A piece of orchestral music, usually in a single continuous movement, which illustrates or evokes the content of a poem, short story, novel, painting, landscape, or other source. 

Executive Producer: Melissa Hibbard
Producer: Ramin Torkian
Narration writers: Sam Gold, Amir Khadem
Animation: Qmars Kalami
Additional animation: Hoda Ramy
Lighting design: Alejandor Melendez