This rare lecture demonstration explores the relationship between spiritual philosophy and music within the context of the Persian tanbour (lute). A rich musical repertoire developed into an integral part of Persian mysticism and became a practice that Sufi mystics could use to spiritually connect to the divine or use as “wings to transport themselves to the other world.” The groundbreaking program examines this tradition, bringing together Professor During, the distinguished ethnomusicologist and Director of Research at the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris (CNRS) who specializes in Central Asian music and its relationship with mysticism, and Shahab Elahi, the world-renowned tanbour player and artistic director of the Mojdeh Ensemble.Major support for performances at the Asia Society is provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.Location: Asia Society and Museum, 725 Park Avenue, New York MorePREVIOUS EVENTSearching for a Window of Hope: Overcoming Poverty, Hunger & Disease in the 21st CenturyNEXT EVENTSpiritual Approaches to Cultural Understanding: From Ibn ’Arabi to Ostad Elahi