If there is a homeland of music anywhere in this world, it is Persia. The musical tradition that originated here two and a half millennia ago has remained vibrant to this day, despite upheavals and adversities, and is extremely popular with listeners. Vocal music is mostly based on ancient Persian poetry – the verses of Rumi, Hafiz, Saadi, Atar and other Persian poets are sung here. What are they about? About roses and nightingales, the black eyes of a beloved woman, wine. The melodic embellishments of the voice resemble calligraphic ornaments, and the mesmerizing rhythms echo the beating of the heart. Classical Persian music is distinguished by the unique timbres of its musical instruments. It features the tar (long-necked lute), santur (cymbal), ney (long reed flute), and kemancha (four-stringed Persian violin). They are accompanied by the tombak (cup-shaped drum) and daf (large frame drum with jingles). .

Once upon a time, the teacher Jalaluddin Rumi said: "Music is the creaking of the gates of Paradise!". Then a cheeky fool replied: "I don't like the creaking of the gates!" And Jalaluddin replied: "I hear the gates opening, but you hear them closing!"

The afternoon will feature authentic recordings of Persian classical and Iranian folk music, folk songs sung by Shusha, and pieces performed by ney (long reed flute) virtuoso Hassan Kassaī. The highlight of the event will be an album recorded in 2003 by the group Dastan and singer Parissa.

The evening will be hosted by ethnomusicologist Eirimas Velička.