May 23-25
Moody Performance Hall

ONE WEEKEND ONLY

**BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND**
In Collaboration with Bruce Wood Dance Dallas

Verdigris Ensemble is bringing back SHAMS, a groundbreaking collaboration with the Crow Museum of Asian Art, featuring music by Iranian composer Sahba Aminikia and live dance with Bruce Wood Dance Dallas. The work sets Rumi's poetry to music in its original Farsi, translated by Zara Houshmand, creating the largest collection of Rumi poetry set in its original language, in the world

At its heart, SHAMS tells the transformative story of Rumi's relationship with his spiritual mentor, Shams Tabrizi—a connection so profound that it completely shifted Rumi's philosophical outlook in just 40 days. Through this intimate exploration of understanding and acceptance, SHAMS builds cultural bridges while bringing to life one of history's most powerful stories of spiritual and personal transformation.

Listen

SHAMS

What To Expect

🎭 A Cultural Fusion of Music and Art

  • Experience Rumi's poetry sung in original Farsi alongside art and dance

  • Witness the largest collection of Rumi's poetry ever set to music, translated by renowned poet Zara Houshmand

🤝 A Timeless Story of Transformation

  • Follow the intense 40-day relationship between Rumi and his mentor Shams Tabrizi

  • See how this brief but profound connection completely transformed one of history's greatest poets

✨ What Makes This Special

  • Watch Iranian composer Sahba Aminikia blend Middle Eastern musical traditions with contemporary classical styles

  • Experience a unique collaboration between Verdigris Ensemble and the Crow Museum of Asian Art that brings Persian poetry to life through multiple art forms

  • Sung in: Farsi

  • Subtitles in: English

  • Runtime: 1hr  10minutes

  • No Intermission

  • The entire concert is seated

Sahba Aminikia

Sahba Aminikia is an independent Iranian American composer, TED Fellow, Founder and Artistic Director of Flying Carpet Festival, and educator who believes in music as a catalyst for change.

Born in post-revolutionary wartime Iran, Aminikia grew up amidst a turbulent socio-political environment. This upbringing shaped his artistic sensibilities, instilling in him a desire to use music as a medium for communication and dialogue. Deeply influenced by the poetry of Hafiz, Rumi, and Saadi, alongside classical, traditional, and jazz music, as well as iconic albums by Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Queen, Aminikia views music as a transcendent yet visceral human experience. His work often reflects on the dualities of existence, exploring themes of enlightenment amid darkness and the triumph of hope.

Verdigris Ensemble Staff

Sam Brukhman Kyle Igneczi

Founding Artistic Director Executive Director

Sam Melnick

Development Manager

Verdigris Ensemble Board of Directors

Keith Mankin President

Patricia Yakesch      Vice President

Farah Padamsee Secretary

Jonathan Hess Treasurer

Teresa Bond - Micaela Bottari - Scott Branks del Llano - Angela Carrales - Keshav Dimri - Carson Dorsey - Taylor Hawks - Kamal Khan - Kita McCray - Jacki Miller - Ashley Sage - Sonali Ved - Jamie Winholtz