Step into the timeless world of 13th-century mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi, where poetry, music, and spiritual reflection converge. An Afternoon with Rumi, organized by MU Qian (ACC 2013, 2016), invites audiences to witness a unique dialogue between word and sound, as multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Akhmad Marin, poetry reciter Muhammad Ali Mojaradi, and vocalist Amin Sarshar present an immersive afternoon of works based on and inspired by Rumi’s verse.

Rooted in the mystical tradition of Sufism, Rumi’s poetry continues to resonate with themes of love, loss, divine longing, and unity. Mojaradi recites selections in both Persian and English, revealing their layered emotional and spiritual dimensions. Marin, a master of improvisation, responds with spontaneous musical interpretations shaped by the tone and texture of each poem. Amin Sarshar contributes a vocal perspective grounded in classical Persian forms, infusing the performance with lyrical nuance and devotional depth.

There is no predetermined script—each element arises in response to the others. Music, voice, and verse move in tandem, shaping a space that encourages reflection and presence. Whether you're well-versed in Rumi or encountering his poetry anew, An Afternoon with Rumi opens a path to listening deeply, where the ancient and the contemporary meet in the shared stillness of sound.