Heartbeat of Rumi

Heartbeat of Rumi: An Evening of Rumi Poetry, Live Music & Group Chanting

Join us for a soulful evening immersing in the timeless poetry of Rumi, accompanied by live traditional music and communal chanting.

Featured Artists

• Aryan Rahmanian — Setar & Vocal
• Amir Etemadzadeh — Daf

Date & Time Saturday, August 15 · 4:00 PM

Aryan Rahmanian is an acclaimed Persian vocalist and setar player whose artistry is rooted in the rich traditions of Iranian classical and regional music. Born in Khorasan, Iran, in 1976, he was immersed from an early age in the musical heritage of his homeland, learning directly from the region's master singers and instrumentalists. He later pursued formal studies in the Persian vocal radif and classical singing under renowned masters Mohsen Keramati, Nasrollah Nasehpour, and the legendary Mohammad-Reza Lotfi.

Rahmanian's performances are distinguished by their expressive interpretation of Persian poetry, refined vocal technique, and deep connection to the spiritual traditions of Iranian music. His repertoire bridges Persian classical music with the rich folk traditions of Khorasan, creating performances that are both authentic and deeply moving.

He has released recordings including Jan-E-Janan (2018) and Solook (2024), featuring both traditional Persian repertoire and contemporary interpretations. As both a vocalist and setar player, he has performed internationally, sharing the beauty of Persian music with audiences through concerts celebrating the poetry of Rumi, Hafez, and other great Persian mystics.

Amir Etemadzadeh is an internationally recognized percussionist, educator, composer, and author specializing in Persian, Middle Eastern, and world percussion traditions. With more than 25 years of teaching and performing experience, he is dedicated to preserving traditional rhythms while making them accessible to musicians of all backgrounds. His performances blend technical mastery with a deep appreciation for the spiritual and cultural roots of rhythm.

As the founder of Amir School of Music in California, Amir has taught thousands of students through private lessons, workshops, university residencies, and community programs. He is the author of Mastering Darbuka and other educational publications, and has presented at universities, festivals, and cultural organizations throughout the United States. His work combines performance, education, and innovation, inspiring students and audiences to experience rhythm as a pathway to connection, creativity, and personal growth.

Whether performing on the daf, tombak, darbuka, or other frame drums, Amir brings warmth, precision, and expressive artistry to every stage. His collaborations with musicians from diverse traditions reflect his passion for building bridges across cultures through the universal language of music.