Philosophical Research Society
3910 Los Feliz Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90027
3910 Los Feliz Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90027
PRS welcomes back composer and scholar Fahad Siadat to celebrate the release of the new studio album The Conference of the Birds with music by Siadat and libretto by Sholeh Wolpé (adapted from the original story by Attar).
This presentation is an introduction to Sufi philosophy and mythology. Focusing on The Conference of the Birds, a seminal work by 12th Century Sufi mystic poet Farid ud-Din Attar, we will explore the seven valleys of the spiritual journey outlined in the epic poem and will include stories from the story as adapted by Sholeh Wolpé, as well as musical excerpts from the oratorio composed by Fahad Siadat.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS:
"The Conference of the Birds" is an oratorio based on Sufi mystic poet Attar’s seminal text about the journey of the soul as it seeks union with the Divine. The epic poem distills the core tenets of the Sufi spiritual path and philosophy.
Using birds as a metaphor for those on the Sufi path, "The Conference of the Birds" follows the birds of the world who embark on a journey to find their sovereign, the Simurgh, a divine, mythical creature. Traveling through The Seven Valleys, the birds follow the spiritual trials of the Sufi path as they journey to the Simurgh’s door. Each story cuts through the dogmatic teachings of religion exposing the broader pitfalls and yearnings of the spiritual journey and emphasizing the shared values between spiritual traditions.
This presentation is an introduction to Sufi philosophy and mythology. Focusing on The Conference of the Birds, a seminal work by 12th Century Sufi mystic poet Farid ud-Din Attar, we will explore the seven valleys of the spiritual journey outlined in the epic poem and will include stories from the story as adapted by Sholeh Wolpé, as well as musical excerpts from the oratorio composed by Fahad Siadat.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS:
"The Conference of the Birds" is an oratorio based on Sufi mystic poet Attar’s seminal text about the journey of the soul as it seeks union with the Divine. The epic poem distills the core tenets of the Sufi spiritual path and philosophy.
Using birds as a metaphor for those on the Sufi path, "The Conference of the Birds" follows the birds of the world who embark on a journey to find their sovereign, the Simurgh, a divine, mythical creature. Traveling through The Seven Valleys, the birds follow the spiritual trials of the Sufi path as they journey to the Simurgh’s door. Each story cuts through the dogmatic teachings of religion exposing the broader pitfalls and yearnings of the spiritual journey and emphasizing the shared values between spiritual traditions.
Fahad Siadat |
Fahad Siadat creates interdisciplinary pieces exploring the intersection of creative and spiritual practices that “border on being a spiritual journey” (LA Dance Chronicle). His work is described by the press as “evoking wonder, desire, and terror” (Off Broadway), “hypnotic” (Backstage) and having “a sophisticated harmonic vocabulary” (San Diego Story). Fahad is the director of the Resonance Collective, a multifaceted organization which explores and expands our definition of sacred music. He is also the director and singing member of LA’s premiere new music vocal ensemble HEX, an award-winning sextet described by the LA Times as “a luminous ensemble of singers”. Fahad maintains a robust performing and recording schedule and has performed as soloist with such groups as LA’s groundbreaking opera company The Industry, and the Grammy Award-Winning ensemble PARTCH, as well as on recordings for artists such as Daniel Lentz and WildUp. Fahad is regularly commissioned to compose for concert music ensembles, dance companies, and theater troupes including: Theater Dybbuk, Rosanna Gamson Dance, Monmouth University, Jacksonville Dance Theater, the California EAR Unit, and the TOCCATA Orchestra. His music has been performed in Europe, China, and across the United States. To hear his work visit www.fahadsiadat.com |