Reza Askarzadeh, duduk & Chouchane Siranossian, violin

“Raftam ke raftam” (Persian: رفتام که رفتام) is one of the best-known Persian folk songs, performed here on the duduk — the deeply expressive Armenian double-reed instrument whose warm, plaintive tone is closely associated with traditional Middle Eastern and Caucasian music.

The music of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan—the region known as the South Caucasus, which until the early 19th century was culturally not far removed from Iran—is simply enchanting. It is wonderful how this music not only shares common melodies, but also has deep-rooted connections to the musical systems and modal traditions of Persian music.

We are delighted that Reza Askarzadeh will be presenting his very own Persian music in Bad Kissingen and transporting us into the world of improvised Iranian sounds. Reza is a renowned musician who is active in numerous musical genres in his home country. He is also a passionate recorder player and has been a valued guest at our festival for many years.

Duduk master Askarzadeh plays these folk tunes together with Armenian violinist Chouchane Siranossian. Chouchane was introduced to this world of music at an early age by her father, the renowned expert on Armenian music Alexandre Siranossian. We are extremely pleased to experience the internationally acclaimed baroque violinist, who already performed at our opening concert, in a new musical perspective.

Armenian liturgical chants are among the oldest written music in the world. They are part of an immensely rich musical heritage spanning around 1,000 years of Armenian cultural history, which will be celebrated on this evening.

Her interpretation of “Havun, Havun” (Armenian: Հավուն, Հավուն – “The bird was awake”) is praised for its improvisational ‘infinity’ and “eternity.” The work was composed by the 10th-century Armenian mystic Krikor Naregatsi. Here, the awake bird enters into a tonal dialogue with the melancholic tones of the duduk, lending the piece a special poetic depth.

We are delighted to present two very special contributions today: The wonderful singing of Reza, who transports us into the world of oriental sounds with his duduk, the traditional Persian flute instrument. And the soulful violin of Chouchane, who enchants us with the world of Armenian music. And something else very special: the two accompany each other – a warm welcome to Raftam ke Raftam and Havun Havun!

FRI, 15 May 2026 | 9:30 pm | » Erlöserkirche | Duration approx. 30 minutes | Concert without interval

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