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For a talented group of Iranian poets and composers enjoying fame, the Iranian revolution of 1979 extinguished hopes, dreams and careers. We will never know what could have been.
Since a serendipitous introduction in 2003, Monika Jalili has worked tirelessly to revive the touching works of these Iranian artists, some of whom are no longer with us, and most of whom have lived the past 30 years into their old age unable to express themselves as they once could. It is their songs that Monika sings with passion, appreciation, care and love.
Monika's repertoire also includes folk songs from various regions of Iran. All songs are sung in local dialects and languages, with additional English and French translations on selected pieces.
Monika Jalili brings to life the rich history of Iranian culture through its music and poetry. Her entrancing selection of songs spans time and place; traditional Persian folk favorites stand alongside love songs from the 1940s to 1970s, a time of great cultural change in Iran. The songs are performed in their original languages of Persian, Azeri, and various dialects. Using traditional and non-traditional instruments, her ensemble musicians combine their influences to present original interpretations of this music. In a spirit of exploration, Monika aspires to create understanding through an appreciation of the beauty of Iranian culture. Monika's English and French translations are her way of sharing the poetry she loves with a global audience.
Monika Jalili is a classically trained vocalist born in New York City, with a degree in Vocal Performance from The Manhattan School of Music and in French Literature from Columbia University. Monika has performed with her ensemble at such venues as The Kennedy Center (D.C.), Lincoln Center (NY), Faces Etnofestival (Finland), The United States Naval Academy (Annapolis), Place des Arts (Montreal), Maison des Cultures du Monde (Paris), Cathedral of St. John the Divine (NY), Columbia University (NY), American University (NY), University of California (Davis), University of Illinois (Urbana), University of Washington (Seattle), Trinity Church at Wall Street (NY), Missouri History Museum (St. Louis), California Institute of Technology (Pasadena), Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza (California), and many others.
Monika's great love of Persian music and culture led her to create her ensemble with the superbly talented Megan Gould.
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