Raheleh Filsoofi's Embodied Sound Performance at Ismaili Center Houston
On April 11, 2026, the Ismaili Center in Houston celebrated a significant cultural event titled "Listening: The Fourth String," marking its inaugural gathering for the Ismaili community in the U.S. Presented by Raheleh and Reza Filsoofi, the event featured performances by local artists including Will Adams and Tom Carter. A highlight was the ShahTár, a distinctive Persian rug from 2022 designed to support collaborative music. The performance, which incorporated Raheleh’s poetry and Reza’s vocals, invited audience participation and sought to create a deeper understanding of listening across different cultural and religious backgrounds. The ShahTár was also part of the center’s first exhibit.
Key facts
- Performance Listening: The Fourth String occurred on April 11, 2026 at Ismaili Center Houston.
- Raheleh Filsoofi and Reza Filsoofi organized and performed in the event.
- Musicians included Will Adams, Tom Carter, Parham Daighighi, Laura Dykes, Ruthie Langston, Gabriel Martinez, Firuz Shukrikhudoev.
- The ShahTár (شهتار) is a 2022 Persian rug with two four-string instruments.
- The Ismaili Center is the first US center built for Ismailis.
- The performance took place in the center's black box theater.
- Audience members were invited to touch their bodies and join the stage.
- The work references Pauline Oliveros's deep listening theory.
Entities
Artists
- Raheleh Filsoofi
- Reza Filsoofi
- Will Adams
- Tom Carter
- Parham Daighighi
- Laura Dykes
- Ruthie Langston
- Gabriel Martinez
- Firuz Shukrikhudoev
- Pauline Oliveros
Institutions
- Ismaili Center
- Burnaway
Locations
- Houston
- Texas
- United States
Sources
- Burnaway —