Instrumentation: accordion, cello, piano, hand percussion
Commissioned by: Ladom Ensemble
Composition date: 2023
Duration: 15 mins
World Premiere: Honen’s International Festival, Calgary, Canada, Sept 7, 2023
Program notes:
Distance is a 3 movement composition by Pouya Hamidi which was inspired by the distance between human beings created by force and environmental conditions. Sometimes these are caused by natural forces and sometimes by human-made ones including repressive governments. People are forced to move out of their country of birth. Not seeing their relatives and friends for so long. The distance does not have to be physical. It can be mental distance as well.
But the human being is a hopeful creature and keep on the struggle to untangle and get closer to loved ones. The song has hopeful and powerful energy for that struggle.
The work was also inspired by the “Woman, Life, Freedom” political movement in Iran where young women fought for their freedom and many were jailed and killed by the oppressive regime in power. The all woman cast of the accompanying music video portrays a powerful symbol for liberty and struggle in the shadow of darkness. There is much suffering and pain but also lots of hope and heroism for a brighter future.
The song starts with a few drops of rain which slowly gets fuller and fuller building up in momentum until the faster part a few minutes in. Inspired by Iranian traditional music especially by music playing of the master Keyhan Kalhor and his kamanche playing.
Music Video:
The film was inspired by the “Woman, Life, Freedom” political movement in Iran where young women fought for their freedom and many were jailed and killed by the oppressive regime in power. The all woman cast of this film portrays a powerful symbol for liberty and struggle in the shadow of darkness. There is much suffering and pain but also lots of hope and heroism for a brighter future. The music is composed by the pianist and member of Ladom Ensemble who produced this video.
Hanna Kiel created a powerful choreography and direction and our lead dancer Aryana Malek worked tirelessly all day among the other wonderful dancers who really put their heart and sweat into the project.
Dancers: Aryana Malek, Mari Budgey, Miah Lewis, Kathy Le, Lucía Llano, Sarah Di Iorio, Vania Raquel
Videography by Drew Berry and Olya Glotka
Production assistance by Danaca Bell
Performances:
| Dates | Locations |
|---|---|
| 01.06.24 | Aperture Room, Toronto |
| 17.04.24 | The Imperial Theatre, Sarnia |
| 04.02.24 | Bethel Community Church, Barrie |
| 07.09.23 | Honen’s Festival, Calgary |
