MOSCOW — On March 25th, the Studio for New Music Ensemble will perform “Gâhgery” by composer Mehdi Hosseini at the Rachmaninoff Hall of the Moscow Conservatory.
The performance marks a highlight of the second annual “StudioFest,” which runs from March 25 to April 29. This year’s theme, “Oecumene. XXI Century,” (from the Greek oikumenē, meaning “inhabited earth”) explores unexplored musical territories across Russia, the CIS, Asia, and Latin America. Hosseini’s “Gâhgery” fits perfectly within the festival’s mission to bridge contemporary academic music with diverse cultural landscapes. The program offers a rare panorama of non-European music, featuring works from Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, China, and Mexico, alongside nine world and Russian premieres.
In this composition, Mehdi Hosseini translates traditional melodic structures into a contemporary setting for a flexible mixed ensemble. The work exemplifies Hosseini’s unique “monodies” style—where ancient Persian tonal systems are reimagined through the lens of new music to create a bridge between the past and the present. By deconstructing these traditional tunes, Hosseini creates a modern dialogue that honors the historical roots of the music while exploring new sonic territories.
