Rumi by Candlelight – Chapel Hill

“At any gathering I am there,
 
mingling in the laughing and grieving,

a friend to each.” – Rumi

An intimate evening of Rumi’s poetry, global instruments, English and Farsi recitations, movement, and candlelight.

Church of Reconciliation
110 N Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Doors: 6:30pm | Show: 7pm

Rumi by Candlelight intertwines original compositions with the sounds of West African kora, bansuri flute, piano, violin, and percussion, creating an immersive evening of verse and song - a heartfelt journey bridging cultures and traditions.

🎶 Our 2026 Ensemble

Majid Bastani — Poetry (English & Farsi), Percussion
Betsy Bevan — Piano, Percussion
Will Ridenour — Kora, Percussion
Daniel Chambo — Bansuri Flute, Vocals, Percussion
Marta Richardson — Violin



With Special Guest, Alexis Dumain — Whirling, Movement

📖 About Rumi

Jalal ad-Din Rumi (1207–1273), born in present-day Afghanistan, became one of the world’s most celebrated Sufi mystics. After his meeting with the wandering dervish Shams-i-Tabrizi, Rumi’s life and poetry were transformed, giving rise to verses that continue to inspire across centuries and cultures.

“A road might end at a single house, but it’s not love’s road. Love is a river. Drink from it.” — Rumi

🎥 See moments from Rumi By Candlelight

A few short clips from our 2024 performance:

🎧 Hear the Ensemble

Our latest in-studio music video: “The Guesthouse — Rumi by Candlelight | Live Studio Session”

♥️ Follow & listen

Website: ⁠rumibycandlelight.com
Instagram: ⁠@rumi_by_candlelight
Spotify: The Music We Are