Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni: a musical journey into Zoroastrian identity

We are delighted to present Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni (Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds), a musical exploration of how sound and performance have shaped Zoroastrian identity across time. 

Hosted by Nina Wadia OBE, the concert will feature newly commissioned works and familiar classics, offering audiences a musical journey through the sounds, histories and cultural resonances of Zoroastrianism. Performers will include baritone Frazan Kotwal, violinist Fra Rustumji, pianist Firoze Madon, Amir Massoumian, Ava Choir and composers Kahan Taraporevala and Raiomond Mirza.

Developed by Jonathan Galton, the 2025/26 Shapoorji Pallonji Artist in Residence, the programme draws inspiration from the rich musical worlds connected to Zoroastrian culture: from the distinctive soundscape of Avestan prayer to the long history of Parsi engagement with Western classical music and Persianate traditions. Bringing together musicians, scholars and members of the Zoroastrian community, the event reflects a creative dialogue between heritage, scholarship and contemporary composition.