Constantinople & Benedicte Maurseth – Nordic Lights in Persian Sky (Glossa, 2025)
In Nordic Lights in Persian Sky, Montreal-based ensemble Constantinople joins forces with Norwegian Hardanger fiddle virtuoso Benedicte Maurseth to explore the meeting point between Persian and Nordic musical traditions. Released in 2025 on the Glossa label, the album presents an exquisite mix of modal melodies, accessible improvisational interplay, and poetic influences. Here you’ll find breathtaking performances with threads of Persian and Nordic melodies interlaced, masterful setar and fiddle solos, gorgeous vocals and spellbinding, nuanced percussion.
Led by Kiya Tabassian, a master of the setar (Iranian lute) and a frequent collaborator across global traditions, Constantinople continues its mission of intercultural musical dialog. For this project, Tabassian, Maurseth, and longtime percussionist Patrick Graham weave together ancient sounds and modern sensibilities. The trio’s shared focus on nature, modal phrasing, and improvisation forms the foundation of their collaboration.
Recorded in a historic church in Strandebarm, Hardanger, the album was born from a spontaneous musical encounter in Berlin in 2022. With no predetermined repertoire, the trio discovered a natural affinity between their traditions. According to Maurseth, the resulting dialog was as intuitive as speaking a shared language, anchored in centuries-old forms, yet guided by the present moment.
Throughout the twelve-track album, beautiful traditional tunes from Hardanger and Setesdal meet splendid Persian radif-based compositions, along with original works by both Maurseth and Tabassian. Highlights include “Dance of the Wind,” based on Reng-e Farah, and “Moonlight – Mahtâb,” featuring a poem by Nima Youshij. The album closes with “Nordic Dreams,” a sweet lullaby that encapsulates the project’s introspective tone.
Constantinople, founded in 2001 by Kiya Tabassian, is internationally acclaimed for its cross-cultural projects spanning medieval manuscripts, Mediterranean sounds, and non-Western traditions. The ensemble has released over 20 albums and performed in more than 290 cities across 57 countries. In 2024, they received the JUNO Award for Best Classical Album.
Kiya Tabassian, born in Iran and based in Montreal, is recognized for his boundary-crossing work as a composer, performer, and educator. His artistic leadership includes roles with the Atlas Ensemble and the Banff Centre, as well as co-founding Montreal’s Centre des musiciens du monde.
Benedicte Maurseth is a prominent Norwegian fiddler, composer, and author, known for her deep connection to Hardanger fiddle tradition through nearly three decades of study with master Knut Hamre. She has released award-winning recordings on ECM and Hubro, composed for film and theater, and received the 2022 Nordic Music Prize for her album Hárr.
Patrick Graham, a versatile percussionist and improviser, brings a global perspective shaped by studies in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Japanese percussion traditions. His nuanced and imaginative playing supports the ensemble’s expansive musical palette.
Musicians: Kiya Tabassian on setar, vocals; Benedicte Maurseth on Hardanger fiddle, vocals; and Patrick Graham on percussion.
Read more about Kiya Tabassian
Read more about Benedicte Maurseth
Track list
- And the Glacier Answers Quietly (Traditional, Hardanger) – 4:12
- Vetla jento mi (Traditional, Hardanger) – 2:55
- Dance of the Wind (based on “Reng-e Farah,” Persian radif) – 5:17
- Huldreslåttar (Traditional, Hardanger) – 6:28
- Dâya Dâya & Brureslått (Traditional, Lorestan and Sogn) – 5:05
- Moonlight – Mahtâb (Maurseth & Tabassian; poem by Nima Youshij) – 6:29
- Den 4. Gorrlausen (Traditional, Setesdal) – 3:34
- Shooting Stars in the Wide Sky (Maurseth) – 1:09
- Timeturning & Along with the Breeze (Maurseth & Tabassian; poem by Hafez) – 4:03
- Summer Solstice (Maurseth) – 3:22
- Bâz Âmadam (Tabassian; poem by Rumi) – 6:31
- Nordic Dreams (Traditional Lullaby, Setesdal) – 4:30
Buy Nordic Lights in Persian Sky.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.