World at Midday: Persianesque
Persianesque Ensemble is a contemporary Persian music group that highlights the richness of Persian musical traditions through innovative and cross-cultural performances. The ensemble gained recognition after an almost sold-out debut concert in Summer 2024 and has since emerged as a notable presence in York University’s and Ontario’s cultural music scene. In October 2023, a collaborative performance featuring Persianesque was ranked No. 1 in Ontario through York University’s Cultural Diversity Program. The ensemble has also performed at multiple York University events, blending Persian classical and regional styles with contemporary approaches through a diverse group of musicians.
Sarvenaz Seivani, Vocalist
Shervin Iranizadeh, Vocalist
Ilia Behmanesh, Piano
Fatima Bahadori, Daf (Middle-Eastern frame drum)
Saghi Farsijani, Qanun (Middle-Eastern Zither)
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Location: McLean Performance Studio (244 Accolade East Building)
Free Admission
Saghi Farsijani (Qanun)
Saghi Farsijani is a Toronto-based musician and qanun player trained in Persian, Turkish, Arabic, and Western classical traditions. She is completing an Honours BMus at York University and performs with several orchestras across the GTA.
Sarvi Seivani (Vocalist)
Sarvi Seivani is an Iranian-Canadian singer–songwriter whose music blends pop, jazz, R&B, and Persian influences. She studies vocal performance, composition, and piano at York University and is a vocalist with Persianesque Ensemble.
Shervin Iranizadeh (Vocalist)
Shervin Iranizadeh is a vocalist and composer trained in Iranian traditional music since 2013. He has performed with numerous ensembles and has been a vocalist with Persianesque since 2024.
Ilia Behmanesh (Piano)
Ilia Behmanesh is an Iranian pianist and composer based in Toronto. He studies composition and piano improvisation at York University and released his ambient piano EP Spiral in 2024.
Fatima Bahadori (Daf)
Fatima Bahadori is a composer, improviser, and daf player studying music at York University. She blends Persian, classical, and contemporary influences and contributes rhythm, vocals, and composition to Persianesque Ensemble.
