Mamak Khadem at the synagogue: Persian vocals and the poetic inspirations of “A Window to Color”

Described as one of the wonders of trance-infused world music, Iranian singer Mamak Khadem will perform at Wrocław’s White Stork Synagogue on 29 October as part of Ethno Jazz Festival.

Mamak Khadem draws listeners into music combining Persian traditions with her own bold, self-aware style. Despite openness to other cultures, classical Persian music and poetry remain central to her interests.

She was born in Tehran, Iran, but grew up in the United States, where she moved as a teenager. Two years after her move to America, revolution broke out in her homeland, while the eight-year war between Iraq and Iran would also shape Mamak Khadem’s life. After the revolution, Mamak turned towards tradition and began studying classical Persian music with some of Iran’s greatest vocal masters.

“After many years of returning to Iran and studying my ancestors' music, I realised I didn't want to become a traditional singer. My intention was to create my own style: universal and accessible, yet distinctly Iranian in character. It became a challenge I wanted to meet.”

Mamak co-founded Axiom of Choice, a group that brought a breath of fresh air to music from that part of the world. Extensive travel through the Middle East shaped the sound of her first solo album, which featured a broad range of regional and folk melodies of Iranian, Greek, Turkish and Armenian origin.

“A Window to Color”, Mamak Khadem's latest work, features original compositions inspired by the Persian artist Sohrab Seperhri. Deeply rooted in nature, the lyrics explore longing, beauty, freedom and a return to innocence. Mamak sees her mission as instilling in younger generations a desire to learn, observe more deeply, and celebrate world peace and coexistence between nations.

Mamak Khadem is an exceptionally active performer, having appeared at numerous major festivals in the United States and elsewhere around the globe. She also regularly contributes to recording sessions for other musicians, including composers for films and television series such as The Peacemaker, Traffic, The Profiler, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Battlestar Galactica.