An unprecedented fusion of Persian mysticism, Mongolian throat singing, and contemporary dance brings Rumi’s timeless poetry — and today’s migration stories — to life.
The Fountain of Eternity is a groundbreaking theatrical music performance created by composer and santoor virtuoso Ehsan Matoori. Inspired by the poetry of Rumi, the work explores migration, exile, and the search for belonging across five dramatic acts. It draws a parallel between Rumi’s forced departure from his homeland in the 13th century and the new waves of migration today — especially Persians who, under pressure, must leave their country behind.
Through music, narration, and movement, the production bridges ancient and modern worlds — carrying audiences from Rumi’s farewell in Balkh to the fires of Mongol invasions, to the contemporary struggles of displacement, and finally toward love, liberation, and transcendence.
The performance combines the haunting vocals of Maliheh Moradi and Mina Deris, the otherworldly Mongolian throat singing of Tamir Hargana, and the whirling, mystical dance of Miriam Peretz. Matoori’s original score interweaves Persian santoor, world instruments, and contemporary soundscapes, creating a powerful dialogue between tradition and modernity.
“This work is not just about Rumi’s journey,” Matoori says, “it is about our journey today — the struggle of migration, the pain of displacement, and the hope that love is the force that endures.”
Performer Bios
Ehsan Matoori
Ehsan Matoori is an Iranian-American composer, music producer, and master of the Persian santoor. He has composed and produced albums with celebrated Iranian artists Mohsen Namjoo and Alireza Ghorbani, establishing himself as a vital creative voice in contemporary Persian music. Matoori is also the creator of Voices Unveiled, an ongoing project dedicated to amplifying Iranian female singers silenced in their homeland; the project has been performed more than 40 times worldwide. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious New Music USA Award for his contributions to cross-cultural composition and performance. His works blend Persian classical traditions with world music and contemporary soundscapes, exploring themes of migration, identity, and love.
Maliheh Moradi
Maliheh Moradi is an acclaimed Iranian vocalist known for her rich, emotive interpretations of Persian classical and folk repertoire. She is a featured singer in Voices Unveiled, where her voice has been heard on international stages across North America and Europe. Moradi also collaborated with Ehsan Matoori on her most recent album, bringing together Persian poetry and modern composition. Her performances are celebrated for their emotional depth, authenticity, and ability to connect with audiences across cultures.
Mina Deris
Mina Deris is a versatile Iranian singer and performer whose work bridges classical Persian traditions with contemporary theatrical expression. She is a core vocalist in Ehsan Matoori’s Voices Unveiled project, which has toured globally to give voice to Iranian women through music and storytelling. Known for her powerful stage presence, she weaves narrative and song into evocative performances that highlight themes of exile, identity, and resilience. Deris has performed widely across Europe and North America, embodying both the voice of the past and the resonance of the present.
Tamir Hargana
Tamir Hargana is an internationally recognized Mongolian throat singer and musician. A founding member of the renowned group Anda Union, he has toured globally, introducing audiences to the ancient art of khoomei (overtone singing). His deep, resonant voice evokes the spirit of the Mongolian steppes and the sacred traditions of his culture. In The Fountain of Eternity, his sound becomes a symbol of power, migration, and dialogue across civilizations.
Miriam Peretz
Miriam Peretz is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher whose work draws from Persian, Central Asian, and Sufi traditions. With a background in both classical and contemporary dance, she is known for her whirling rituals that embody the ecstatic and meditative dimensions of movement. Peretz has performed and taught internationally, creating a unique style that blends spiritual practice with stage performance. In The Fountain of Eternity, her whirling dance becomes the visual embodiment of Rumi’s mystical journey.
