St. Louis Public Library

Photo by John Koniak, St. Louis Public Library Title: St. Louis Public Library logo celebrating 150th anniversary
Source: John Koniak, St. Louis Public Library

ST. LOUIS PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES RICH TRADITION OF ISLAMIC POETRY WITH MAJOR EXHIBITION, PERFORMANCES, AND PROGRAMS

The St. Louis Public Library is proud to announce that it will host Poetic Voices of the Muslim World, a lushly illustrated traveling exhibit that explores the rich history of the poetic tradition in Islamic countries across two millennia and four language groups: Persian, Turkish, Urdu, and Arabic. The exhibit features beautiful calligraphy and photography and has appeared in major cities throughout the United States.

The exhibit will debut with a very special Opening Reception at Central Library,1301 Olive Street, on April 2 9 at 5:30 p.m.  Scholar and translator Jawid Mojaddedi discusses the beauty of 13th-century Persian poet Rumi's Masnavi—its folk tales, sacred history, and entertaining stories and lessons, all written in rhyming couplets.

Following the discussion, there will be a performance of Rumi's poems (in both English and Persian) set to music by distinguished composer and Persian classical performer Amir Vahaband His Ensemble.  The group will perform songs selected from Rumi's poetry, with a focus on unity. The lively folk and traditional music features the ethereal sounding nay (mystical reed flute), saz (seven-string, long-neck lute), and daf (large frame drum associated with Sufi rituals). The concert concludes with a dynamic drumming performance that echoes the universal heartbeat of existence.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Library will also present a series of programs at select Library locations (see the April and May Calendars for locations, dates, and times).  Distinguished scholars and poets will guide audiences through this unique and multifaceted poetic heritage;from the Qur'an to the Sufi mystics to the female poets of 20th-century Iran.  Documentary film screenings and themed book discussion swill extend the conversation across the city.

By bringing these voices to our community, Poetic Voices of the Muslim World will give St. Louisans the chance to enrich our own lives by encountering words that speak powerfully across boundaries of history and language.

For details, call 314.539.0327

Poetic Voices of the Muslim World is presented by Poets House and City Lore, in partnership with the American Library Association and the St. Louis Public Library along with the public libraries in San Francisco, Houston, and Atlanta. It is funded by the Bridging Cultures Program of the National Endowment for the Humanities, with additional support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.

Additional support by fort gondo compound for the arts and St. Louis Mosaic Project.

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