Afro-Iranian Ensemble to Perform at Apollo Theater in September

HARLEM, NY — Renowned Afro-Iranian music group, the Shanbehzadeh Ensemble, will perform at Harlem's Apollo Theater on September 23.

The concert is one of two U.S. stops the group will be making as it tours to promote educational equality in Iran with the human rights organization Not a Crime, according to a press release. Not a Crime, founded in 2015 by former jailed journalist Maziar Bahari, uses the arts to spread awareness of the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran. The Baha'is is the largest religious minority in the country, according to the press release.

The Shanbehzadeh Ensemble, founded by Saeid Shanbehzadeh, features neyanbān (bagpipe), neydjofti (flute), dammam (drum), zarbetempo (percussion), traditional flute, senj (cymbal) and boogh (a goat’s horn). In the past, the New York Times has described the ensemble's performances as "refreshingly, a little bit punk," according to the press release.

"As an artist, I have always suffered from the sword of censorship in music and dance,” said Shanbehzadeh in the press release. “My struggle for freedom of expression and thought has been primarily aimed at liberating myself from the chains of the Iranian government and its censorship. Now I believe it is my duty to defend these freedoms for my fellow Iranians and everyone else around the world."

Tickets for the event can be purchased online.

Learn more about the ensemble by watching this short documentary: