While growing up in her native land of Iran, Farnaz sang at every available opportunity but longed to find her authentic artist’s voice. Upon her move to Canada, she studied Operatic vocal training, Persian folk singing, then Flamenco cante through the instruction of Oscar Nieto, Vicente Griego, Naike Ponce and Lucas Ortega among others. Farnaz’s love of music and performance art inspired her to create the collaborative project “Mashregh Ensemble” in 2012, which combine’s Persian poetry with Flamenco music.Throughout her artistic and musical career Farnaz has been passionate about giving voice to the unique view point of Iranian female singers whose voices are denied in Iran, being forbidden to record or perform in public to mix audiences. Her songs always have a social message, be it delving into challenges of immigration, love in a new country or finding the artist path in uncharted waters. She remains deeply grateful to her second home, Canada for providing her the wings by which she flies as high as the sky is the limit and a voice by which to express herself fully.
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This video is the backdrop for the song “Hesar” from Farnaz Ohadi’s Persian Flamenco debut album. It focuses on themes of Iranian women’s struggles, immigration, mental health and the artist’s journey when she arrived in Canada in 1990. The movie traces the journey of the artist from her home land, Iran to Canada, the angst and confusion and pain of immigration and finally choosing to put down roots in a new land.
Translation of the chorus:
What is it I am saying, behind this iron gate?
What am I seeking among these hazy nights?
What is it I hunt for in this strange city?
Behind these impure walls?
One night, the breath will say, no more
and the breath will stop beating
A blind bird will open its wings
and will take my life with it as it flies away
Hesar will be showing as part of our TEAL program exhibiting July 15-19th, 2021!
Tickets? You want tickets? We’ve got them right here!
