PAAIA Brings World Premiere of The King Cyrus Symphonic Suite to San Francisco
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Kimberly Verde
info@kverde.com
The San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra will perform an exclusive one-night world premiere of a modern symphonic suite in celebration of the legacy of Cyrus the Great of Persia
The King Cyrus Symphonic Suite: From Birth to the Proclamation of Human Rights
August 10, 2013, 7pm
Nob Hill Masonic Center
San Francisco, July 17, 2013-The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is proud to announce the world premiere of The King Cyrus Symphonic Suite: From Birth to the Proclamation of Human Rights for a one night only performance on August 10, 2013.
Composed and conducted by Maestro Loris Tjeknavorian and performed by the San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra—a specially assembled 77-piece orchestra—the symphonic suite will feature performances by soprano Raeeka Shehabi-Yaghmai, pianist Tara Kamangar, with narration performed by Houshang Touzie. The San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra is comprised of the best musicians from the Bay Area’s most elite performing institutions including symphony, opera, and ballet organizations.
The King Cyrus Symphonic Suite provides the listener with a musical portrait of King Cyrus (576-530 BC), the first Achaemenid Emperor of Persia. Often referred to as Cyrus the Great for his political and diplomatic achievements, he is best known as a leader who had the vision and the strength of character to implement reforms that brought peace to his subjects and respected the principles of human rights and religious tolerance. Cyrus is also remembered for his masterful diplomacy and his magnanimous treatment of defeated rivals. He is attributed with authoring the first proclamation of human rights, written in cuneiform and preserved on the legendary Cyrus Cylinder.
The symphonic suite celebrates the life of Cyrus from childhood, through the early years of his reign, culminating with his declaration of human rights. The composition is a masterful work by renowned composer, Loris Tjeknovarian, who brings to life the ancient and rich culture of Persia and the human challenges faced by a benevolent and visionary leader.
Commenting about the unveiling of this world premier event, Ali Mojdehi, Chairman of PAAIA’s Board of Directors remarked:
“The legacy of Cyrus the Great as a leader who promoted human rights, religious tolerance, and equality has been timeless and universal. PAAIA is honored to sponsor the world premiere of this magnificent creation by Maestro Tjeknavorian. It is a small tribute to the music of the Maestro, Cyrus the Great’s vision, and our Persian heritage and culture”.
Maestro Tjeknavorian composed the first version of the King Cyrus Symphonic suite in 1972 for the 2,500 anniversary celebration of the Iranian empire. It was performed in the presence of kings, queens and heads of state from across the world at the ancient Persian city of Persepolis. A few years ago, he revised and expanded the composition into a symphonic suite in three movements portraying important episodes in the life of Cyrus the Great based on the writings of Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon.
This landmark musical event is presented in association with the Asian Art Museum’s special exhibition, The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning, in which the Cyrus Cylinder will make its first ever appearance in the United States.
About PAAIA
The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, PAAIA, Inc., is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonreligious 501(c)(4) membership organization that serves the domestic interests of Iranian Americans and represents the community before U.S. policymakers and the American public at large. PAAIA works to foster greater understanding of our community and its cultural heritage and to expand opportunities for the active participation of Iranian Americans in the democratic process at all levels of government.
Media Opportunities:
Please contact Kimberly Verde to schedule an interview with Maestro Tjeknavorian or to reach PAAIA representatives.
info@kverde.com
Calendar Editors:
The King Cyrus Symphonic Suite:
From Birth to the Proclamation of Human Rights
August 10, 2013
7:00pm
Nob Hill Masonic Center
1111 California Street
San Francisco, CA
To purchase tickets click here.
Media Contact: Kimberly Verde
info@kverde@gmail.com
