Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat at Big Springs Resort

SIERRA CITY — Big Springs Garden Retreat Center, a newly opened retreat center and event space, at the base of the Sierra Buttes, is proud to present a special afternoon concert on Saturday, November 1st, from 2–5pm, featuring internationally celebrated Iranian vocalists Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat with composer-arranger and setar player Atabak Elyasi.

Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat are vocalists, composers, and educators whose artistry is rooted in the profound tradition of Persian classical music, while opening new paths of innovation and intercultural dialogue. With voices that carry both intimacy and power, they bring to life a repertoire that bridges past and present, weaving poetry, classical and regional Iranian music, and contemporary expression into a unique musical language.

Over more than three decades, the sisters have created a deeply personal and distinctive vocal dialogue — one that reflects both their shared heritage and their individual expression. In their homeland, where women have been banned from solo singing since 1979, they have carried their voices beyond borders with unwavering resolve. Their music, born of resilience and longing, has touched audiences across the world as a testament to cultural memory and the enduring power of artistic freedom.

Through long-standing collaborations with the Norwegian label Kirkelig Kulturverksted and producer-poet Erik Hillestad, as well as Elyasi, they have released numerous acclaimed recordings. Their artistic journey has also led to encounters with musicians and ensembles such as Kronos Quartet, Tord Gustavsen, Mighty Sam McClain, Bridget Kibbey, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, the Skruk Choir, Zar Theatre, and the Grotowski Institute — creating a rich tapestry where Persian music converses with the sounds of the world.

Guests are invited to arrive early for an Open House at Big Springs Garden Retreat Center. The grounds will open at 12pm. Visitors can stroll the grounds, take in the brilliant fall colors of the Lost Sierra, and bring a picnic to enjoy before the concert begins.

Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, November 1st, 2–5pm (Open House earlier in the day)

Location: Big Springs Garden Retreat Center, Sierra City, CA

Tickets: $40 per person

More Info & Tickets: bigspringsretreat.org/events

This concert marks one of the first public cultural offerings at Big Springs Garden Retreat Center, an opportunity to experience the power of Persian music in dialogue with the natural beauty of the Sierra Buttes.