FolkXperimental

Ancient Melodies

ABOUT

FolkXperimental is a boundary-pushing ensemble led by award-winning composer Dr. Shervin Mirzeinali. Bringing together musicians from diverse musical worlds, the group reimagines ancient folk melodies through a contemporary lens. With the operatic voice of Agnes Sarkis, the intricate Iranian ornamentation of Ehsan Kachooei on setar, Niki Johnson’s experimental percussion, and Jessica Scott’s avant-garde flute, FolkXperimental creates a vivid and exploratory soundscape. The group performs Shervin’s original compositions alongside striking arrangements of long-forgotten Iranian folk material.

Group of five diverse people standing in front of a brick wall, holding musical instruments including a keyboard, tar, and a flute, wearing casual and eclectic clothing, smiling and posing together.

PHILOSOPHY

At the heart of FolkXperimental is a desire to connect tradition with experimentation. Drawing on the deep well of Iranian musical heritage and the diverse artistic voices of the ensemble, the music reshapes forgotten tunes into living, breathing works. These pieces are not just preserved—they are reimagined, transformed, and shared as a conversation between past and present. The ensemble values personal expression as much as cultural memory, forging a sound that honours the old while speaking boldly in the now.

Five people standing on a red-carpeted stage under a screen with "Iranian Music Festival" text, taking a bow at a musical event.
  • Musician playing keyboard on stage with purple lighting

    Shervin Mirzeinali

    Leader & Piano

  • A man playing a small string instrument, possibly a mandolin or traditional lute, in a dimly lit room with microphones and musical equipment.

    Ehsan Kachooei

    Setar & Bass Guitar

  • Person speaking into a microphone on stage, wearing glasses and a patterned dress, with stage lighting in the background.

    Agnes Sarkis

    Mezzo Soprano

  • Person with short hair playing a xylophone in a dimly lit room with purple lights.

    Niki Johnson

    Vibraphone

  • Musician holding a flute on stage with a microphone in the background.

    Jessica Scott

    Flute

Musicians performing on stage at the Iranian Music Festival, with a large projected logo above them and stage lights creating a purple ambiance.
A musician playing a string instrument, with a microphone nearby, in a dimly lit setting.
Musicians performing at the Iranian Music Festival 2024. A singer stands in the center, surrounded by instrumentalists playing various instruments including keyboard, stringed instruments, and a flute. The stage is dimly lit with colorful lights and
Musician playing xylophone under purple stage lights, wearing colorful floral shirt and glasses
Three people smiling in a dimly lit music venue; one holding a flute.
Close-up of a vibraphone with mallets and sheet music, in a dimly lit music venue.
Musicians performing at the Iranian Music Festival with instruments and microphones on stage with purple lighting.
A musical performance on stage with five musicians at the Iranian Music Festival, October 2024. The musicians are playing a keyboard, flute, and other instruments while a singer performs at the center. The stage is lit with purple lights.
Performers on stage at the Iranian Music Festival with red and blue lighting and instruments like a keyboard and guitar. Event details on screen behind them, dated October 23-26, 2024.
Five people standing on a red carpeted stage, some clapping and one holding a flute, with microphones and musical instruments in the background.

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