The Musical Legacy of Ostad Elahi

The sold-out program featured opening remarks by Ken Moore, Curator Emeritus of the Department of Musical Instruments, and Dr. Ebby Elahi, Ostad Elahi’s grandson, who provided a demonstration of some of the major innovations that Ostad Elahi introduced to the structure and playing style of the tanbur. The program also included a rare performance by Dr. Shahrokh Elahi, Ostad Elahi’s youngest son and the legatee of his musical art, whose intricate hand movements were magnified on the large screen behind him.

The evening concluded with the Garcia-Fons Ensemble, led by renowned double bassist Renaud Garcia-Fons. The Ensemble, which featured eastern and western instruments alike, performed a series of novel arrangements and compositions directly inspired by the musical repertoire of Ostad Elahi.