Sparks & Wiry Cries will produce and co-curate ‘Only Voice Remains’ along with composer Niloufar Nourbakhsh in partnership with National Sawdust. The program explores themes of exile, loss, and migration, using a diverse range of vocal traditions rooted in Iran and neighboring regions. The title is inspired by Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad’s poem of the same name. The music in this program explores the intersection of singer-songwriter, and Iranian classical music styles intertwined with the western classical music recital format. Also highlighted on the program is the Pashtun Landay, a poetic folk couplet shared by women, that exists primarily through an oral tradition. Set to music by Juhi Bansal for soprano, piano, and cello, these poems highlight similar motifs of struggle and triumph echoing down generations from woman to woman. Artist performers on this program include: Mahya Hamedi (vocalist), Ava Nazar (pianist), Farnaz Ohadi (vocalist), Karen Ouzounian (cellist courtesy of Silk Road Ensemble), and Abigail Sinclair (soprano). Martha is Co-Director/Founder of Sparks & Wiry Cries along with pianist Erika Switzer.