Mahsa Vahdat
Mahsa Vahdat, an internationally acclaimed singer and musician from Iran living in the San Francisco Bay area, is dedicated to both her personal, lifelong musical and artistic path and the greater cause of freedom of expression. Her artistic work has offered audiences around the globe a deeper appreciation of Iranian poetry and music. With her enchanting voice deeply rooted in the heritage of her beloved country Iran, and her innovative musical expression and wide-ranging repertoire, she has fearlessly defied the bans on music and solo women singers imposed by Iranian authorities after the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979. She continues to interact with a diverse international audience that highly appreciates her art.
Mahsa has developed a highly personal style of musical expression, rooted in Iranian classical and regional music, a traditional and complex system of modes, melodic motives, and ornamentation infused with contemporary and innovative expressions and influences. Her musical expression transcends cultural and language boundaries, embracing the beauty of diversity and the universality of human sentiments.
Beyond her musical achievements, Mahsa Vahdat is a passionate vocal educator and advocate for women's rights. Her life’s work, in particular, empowers women by encouraging them to raise their voices.
Her performances and recording projects include collaborations with many of the world's most acclaimed musicians, including U.S. blues singer Mighty Sam McClain, the Kronos Quartet, Tord Gustavson, Teatr Zar and Grotowski institute, SKRUK Choir, Atabak Elyasi, and Bridget Kibbey.
In 2003, Mahsa and her sister Marjan started a long-lasting collaboration with the Norwegian record label Kirkelig Kulturverksted (KKV) and producer and poet Erik Hillestad. This collaboration has led to a worldwide release of a series of award-winning and critically acclaimed albums.
Mahsa’s awards include the Freemuse Award (Denmark 2010), Independent Music Award (USA 2013), German Critics Award (2016), Songlines Best Album for “Traces of an Old Vineyard” (England 2015), and the Transglobal Award for the album “Placeless” with the Kronos Quartet (2019).
Mahsa has developed a highly personal style of musical expression, rooted in Iranian classical and regional music, a traditional and complex system of modes, melodic motives, and ornamentation infused with contemporary and innovative expressions and influences. Her musical expression transcends cultural and language boundaries, embracing the beauty of diversity and the universality of human sentiments.
Beyond her musical achievements, Mahsa Vahdat is a passionate vocal educator and advocate for women's rights. Her life’s work, in particular, empowers women by encouraging them to raise their voices.
Her performances and recording projects include collaborations with many of the world's most acclaimed musicians, including U.S. blues singer Mighty Sam McClain, the Kronos Quartet, Tord Gustavson, Teatr Zar and Grotowski institute, SKRUK Choir, Atabak Elyasi, and Bridget Kibbey.
In 2003, Mahsa and her sister Marjan started a long-lasting collaboration with the Norwegian record label Kirkelig Kulturverksted (KKV) and producer and poet Erik Hillestad. This collaboration has led to a worldwide release of a series of award-winning and critically acclaimed albums.
Mahsa’s awards include the Freemuse Award (Denmark 2010), Independent Music Award (USA 2013), German Critics Award (2016), Songlines Best Album for “Traces of an Old Vineyard” (England 2015), and the Transglobal Award for the album “Placeless” with the Kronos Quartet (2019).