On a bitterly cold Sunday night in downtown Ottawa, Shirin Ghodrati stepped through the doors of Bronson Centre, her breath curling in the frosty air. Just four months into her new life in Canada, she had more than the weight of winter on her shoulders; she carried a longing for connection.
Drawn by the soul-stirring melodies of a Persian music festival, Ghodrati was hoping that in the familiar sounds from her homeland and the company of fellow Farsi speakers, she might find a sense of belonging.
The Persian Music Gathering, held recently at the Bronson Centre’s Mac Hall, was more than an evening of Middle Eastern melodies. It was a celebration of culture, talent and community for Ottawa’s Farsi-speaking residents, including newcomers such as Ghodrati.
The event organized by PAND Settlement Services, which supports Iranian and Farsi-speaking newcomers to Ottawa, opened with performance dedicated to children and a later showcase for adults, with musicians performing individually and in groups.
The range of performances included piano pieces as well as the rich, resonant sounds of traditional Persian instruments such as the lute-like tar and tonbak hand drum.
Organized by musician Kaveh Shakouri, the gathering welcomed more than 200, including individuals from Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, all eager to reconnect with their roots through music and conversation.
“Success for us is seeing how the event has grown and the impact it has had on participants,” said Shakouri. “When we started in 2019, we had just 10 attendees. Now, we have around 200 people joining us every month, which is a testament to the event’s significance in the community.”
There were special moments when the audience joined in, singing nostalgic songs alongside the performers, creating a powerful sense of unity and shared emotion.
For Shirin Ghodrati, the heartfelt singalongs were the most moving part of the gathering. “It was so emotional,” she said, describing how the familiar melodies transported her back to cherished memories, making her feel deeply connected to both the music and the surrounding community.
Shakouri emphasized that the event was born out of a desire to bring people together through the universal language of music.
“Music has the power to connect individuals regardless of their political views, religious beliefs, or cultural backgrounds,” he said.
Shakouri noted that music fosters a sense of unity that transcends differences, helping to build bridges within the community and creating a shared space for cultural expression and belonging.
Beyond the cultural connections, the event also served as a platform for emerging artists — many of them newcomers — who were afforded a chance to perform on stage.
“Many newcomers bring immense talent and creativity, but lack opportunities to showcase their abilities. This event offers them a stage to express themselves, gain confidence, and feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.”
— Kaveh Shakouri, organizer of Ottawa’s monthly Persian Music Gathering
“Many newcomers bring immense talent and creativity, but lack opportunities to showcase their abilities,” Shakouri explained. “This event offers them a stage to express themselves, gain confidence, and feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.”
One of the performers, Hamoon Hassan Nejad, who plays the violin-like kamancheh, said the monthly events have played a role in his musical journey within Ottawa’s Iranian community. “It’s been almost a year since I started playing kamancheh here, and the audience’s applause encourages me to keep going and improve with every performance,” he said.
For Elaheh Samimi, the event’s host and Nejad’s partner, the gathering marked a personal milestone. “I had never performed seriously before,” she said. “I used to do it casually during my childhood, but I never had the opportunity to perform in front of an audience until now.”
Salar Haghverdi, a singer who debuted his new track Wish, emphasized the uniqueness of the event, highlighting how it provides a platform for musicians of all levels—from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals—to showcase their talents.
“On a personal note, my first performance in Canada was on this very stage,” he said. “Over time, we’ve all gotten to know each other through this space, and it has helped us form a real music community.”
Haghverdi added that the event fosters connections among musicians, whether they are studio professionals instrumentalists or singers. “As time goes on, new groups form, collaborations happen, and we all gain more experience. It’s exciting for those of us who are passionate about music.”
As the final notes faded and the last echoes of applause filled Mac Hall, the Persian Music Gathering came to a close — but the warmth it created lingered. For two hours, the room had been alive with melodies, laughter and the shared nostalgia of a community brought together by music.
For Ghodrati, the night was more than just an event — it was a doorway into a new world of connections. “I’ll be attending more community gatherings,” she said, stepping back out into the cold with a heart full of warmth.
Meanwhile, Shakouri was already looking ahead, planning the next chapter of this musical tradition.
“We are committed to continuing this journey and ensuring it grows in ways that benefit the community even more,” he said.
With monthly events confirmed through June 2025, the gathering is set to keep building bridges — one song, one note and one heartfelt moment at a time.
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