‘Echoes of Change’: Musical Perspectives on Iran’s Woman-Life-Freedom Movement

Since September 16, 2022, the Iranian people have been protesting in what has come to be known as the “Woman-Life-Freedom” movement, calling for freedom, human rights, minority rights, and women’s rights to self-expression. Hundreds of Iranians have been murdered, including at least 60 children under the age of 17, and thousands have been arrested, tortured, and raped. During this time, an extraordinary amount of protest art has arisen from the streets that includes more than 40 protest songs.

‘Echoes of Change’ is a collaborative performance debuting eight new solo piano pieces, inspired by a protest song from the “Woman-Life-Freedom” movement. Created and in performance by a collective of four pianists and eight Iranian composers — four residing in North America, four in Iran — this concert seeks to write a musical history that celebrates the movement and honors the bravery of the Iranian people.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Presser Foundation, through the Graduate Music Award, and New Music USA through the New Music Creator Fund.