Maliheh Moradi & Ehsan Matoori – Our Sorrow (ARC Music, 2024)
Maliheh Moradi and Ehsan Matoori present Our Sorrow, set to release on April 12th, 2024. This collaborative album presents the combined talents of Iranian artists Maliheh Moradi and Ehsan Matoori. Moradi’s expressive, lovely vocals combine seamlessly with Matoori’s rich compositions. This exquisite and finely crafted recording elegantly intertwines elements of Persian and Western classical music along with modern influences. Moreover, the fascinating arrangements feature a mix of musical instruments from various Middle Eastern and Western musical traditions performed by highly talented musicians.
The themes explored in Our Sorrow are deeply rooted in the realities of life in Iran, offering insights into a world often misunderstood by those outside its borders.
In Iran, government and societal norms dictate various aspects of life for women, like Maliheh Moradi. From clothing choices to career opportunities, strict regulations govern their daily existence. Activities as commonplace as attending sporting events or pursuing professional advancement are off-limits to Iranian women. The imposed practice of veiling, though voluntarily observed by some, symbolizes the broader societal challenges faced by women in Iran. Since the 1979 revolution, solo female performances have been banned in public, reflecting the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in the country.
Despite gradual relaxations of some restrictions over time, significant barriers remain for female artists in Iran. While women can now perform publicly as part of an ensemble, stringent rules persist, stifling creative expression. Maliheh Moradi’s journey exemplifies the challenges faced by female artists in Iran. Born into a musical family, she developed her skills from a young age, eventually pursuing formal training at the Tehran Conservatory of Music. However, the limitations imposed on women in Iran eventually led her to make the difficult decision to leave her homeland in pursuit of her dreams.
Migrating to the US provided Moradi with newfound freedom from the constraints she faced in Iran. There, her career blossomed, culminating in a collaboration with composer Ehsan Matoori. Drawing inspiration from Moradi’s experiences and significant events in Iran’s history, such as the 2019 protests, Matoori composed the album Our Sorrow. Each piece is based on Moradi’s memoirs, resulting in an emotive musical journey that sheds light on the struggles faced by women in Iran.
Through Our Sorrow, Maliheh Moradi and Ehsan Matoori pay homage to the resilience of Iranian women, the universal fight for freedom, and the enduring power of hope amidst adversity.
Musicians: Maliheh Moradi on vocals; Ehsan Matoori, musical director and santoor; Hossein Behroozinia on oud and tar; Ali Jafaripouyan on violin; Milad Alemi on violin; Sohrab Bahremandi on viola; Mehrdad Alemi on violin; Dara Daraei on bass; Pasha Hanjani on ney; Mohammad Shabani on percussion; Mike Block on cello; Azad Mirzapour on oud; Homayoun Nasiri on percussion; Meisam Marvasti on viola; Hamidreza Yousefi on percussion; Behnam Abolghasem on piano; Yahya Alkhansa on drums; Pouring Pourshirazi on double bass; Aidin Ahmadinejad on cello; and Hailey Walterman on viola and violin.
Buy Our Sorrow.
Author: Sonia Keller
