hamzah hamadeh (Lebanon)

Hamza Hamadeh, a theater practitioner, performer and director based in Beirut, holds a degree in theater, cinema, and television from the Lebanese University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. He has participated in various theatrical productions in Beirut, Brussels, Tunis, and Chile, including “The Other Side of the Garden” directed by Osama Halal and “The Confession” directed by Abdullah Al-Kafari. Hamza’s recent work focuses on integrating theater techniques and art-based projects to support the emotional well-being of youth, children, and women. He collaborated with Kafa to implement theater sessions in Beirut and Beqaa. In 2022, Hamza presented his first directed performance, “La Demande d’emploi.” which was an adpatation of french text by Michel Vinaver. Additionally, he contributed to the cultural documentary “Zakeratouna” with Michel Tayan, highlighting the origins of shadow theater heritage in the area.Through theater, Hamza explores the forms of language and the mechanisms of violence that stem from it. Hamza also utilize tool as a tool in working with youth and communities, he is a theater training using performing arts tools as a social change catalysts in different communities.

Kimiya Zakeriyan (IRan)

Kimiya Zakerian embarked on her musical journey at the age of nine in 2006, when she began learning to play the setâr. Her early education was shaped by the mentorship of several prominent musicians in Iranian classical music, who recognized and nurtured her burgeoning talent.

In 2016, Kimiya furthered her commitment to her craft by enrolling in the Department of Music at the Tehran University of Arts. There, she specialized in Iranian music performance with a focus on the Setâr, an instrument that had already become central to her artistic expression. She graduated in 2021, having honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the rich traditions of Iranian classical music.

During her academic years, Kimiya distinguished herself through her participation in the Youth Music Festival in both 2018 and 2019, where she earned significant recognition for her performances. These accolades underscored her growing reputation as a talented Setâr player.

In recent years, Kimiya has dedicated herself to teaching the Setâr and Iranian classical music theory, sharing her knowledge and passion with eager students. Alongside her teaching, she continues to strive for artistic growth through independent performances, seeking to contribute to and expand the vibrant tapestry of Iranian classical music.

avanaz hassani (iran/austria)

Avanaz Hassani is an experienced violinist and violist, percussionist, choreographer, and improviser with a rich background in music and dance education. Proficient in performing arts, contemporary music, and dance, Avanaz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Pedagogy with a focus on viola as a secondary instrument from the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. Additionally, Avanaz earned a degree in Music and Movement Education (Eurhythmics) from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, specializing in curative education.

Currently, Avanaz is pursuing master's studies in Ethnomusicology and Eurhythmics at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. With extensive work experience in social work, Avanaz has contributed significantly to the lives of migrant children and women in Austria, particularly in Vienna and Graz. Avanaz's diverse skills and dedication to both the arts and social causes make them a remarkable figure in the fields of music and dance education.

Hélène Houdart (france)

Hélène Houdart is a puppeteer and performer residing in Quebec, Canada. Inspired by the movements of the body and its transformation across space and time, she has been working as a director and performer for her puppet and physical theater show, "Camille Claudel Statuaire," which has been performed in Montréal and Quebec. Hélène draws influences from choreographer Maggy Marin and scenographer Natacha Belova, from whom she learned the art of puppet creation.

Since 2023, Hélène has been collaborating with Clara Barbieux and her company, Duo Astral. This company, founded by Clara Barbieux and Alexandre Seim in 2021, operates at the intersection of circus, theater, and puppet theater.

Christopher Rainbow (United kingdom)

Christopher Rainbow is a visual artist currently living and working in Armenia. His work spans comics, illustration, printmaking, publishing, painting, curation and writing. His artwork develops from a drawing practice that entwines observational studies, visual narratives, pattern and subconscious mark making. Thematically, Christopher’s work balances concepts of memory, displacement and power, with a commitment to storytelling and playfulness. In 2016, Christopher established Sputnikat, a risograph comics press, promoting emerging cartoonists and experimental visual narratives. Sputnikat has to date published 26 books, including Russia 2018: A World Cup Journal, a reportage collection of comics vignettes from the FIFA tournament in Russia, which Christopher made in collaboration with fellow British illustrator, William Goldsmith. As an educator, he worked from 2010-2013 as programme leader for the BA (Hons) Illustration course at Universal University in Moscow, and has run art workshops with children and adults in London at Tate Britain, Design Museum, Central Saint Martins, London Transport Museum and Barbican.

Nush poke (france)

Since encountering street art in 2016, Anna Hachani, known as Nush Poke, has been painting birds across cities. From Beirut to Paris, her creatures echo a universe of flames and feathers, serving as dreamy omens of a melting world. Influenced by both urban and wildlife textures, Nush's style features subtle lines and a wide range of colors. Her birds, born at the crossroads of myths such as dragons, phoenixes, and the Persian simurgh, evoke fantastic worlds. Mysterious and shimmering, they are the guardians of our imaginations within the heart of hectic cities.

Beyond her work as a muralist, Nush explores the bird woman myth through various mediums, including installations, tattooing, mask crafting, and performances. Her multifaceted approach continues to captivate and inspire, blending tradition with innovation to create a unique artistic narrative.

Will healy(united states)

Will Healy is a composer, pianist, and improviser based in New York. He is the artistic director and founder of ShoutHouse, a collective of hip-hop, jazz and classical musicians. Healy's pieces reflect his commitment to collaboration and innovation, drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of New York City's music scene. He has been recognized with the 2023 Leonard Bernstein Award from the ASCAP Foundation, the 2024 Beeler Prize, a Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the W.K. Rose Fellowship. He has collaborated with orchestras, choirs and wind ensembles around the world, from his multi-genre symphonic work “Passages” (for two emcees, singer, jazz saxophonist, and wind ensemble) to his upcoming piano concerto for Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra. Healy received his M.M. in Composition from The Juilliard School and he is currently a PhD candidate in Composition at Princeton University.

Ibrahim melhim (palestine)

Ibrahim Melhim is a traveling musician from Palestine, currently residing in Portugal. He began his musical journey with the guitar, his first instrument. Driven by a desire to reconnect with his Arabic heritage, Ibrahim transitioned to the oud, an endeavor he has passionately pursued for the past four years. Ibrahim's musical focus lies in reviving and performing forgotten folk songs from his region and beyond, including Balkan and Turkish traditions. Through his unique interpretations, he aims to breathe new life into these timeless melodies, preserving and celebrating a rich cultural legacy.

Harshal vyas (india)

Harshal Vyas is an accomplished and versatile professional dancer with over a decade of experience, known for his inherent sense of rhythm and creativity that allows him to intricately express emotions through movement. Beginning his journey as an Indian folk dancer in Ahmedabad in 2008, Harshal has continuously expanded his expertise. He has trained extensively in Kalaripayattu martial arts under revered mentors from Kerala and Kalarigram in Auroville and acquired foundational skills in Pole & Rope Mallakhamb in 2018. As the founder and artistic director of Samanvay Dance Company, Harshal leads with a vision to blend tradition with innovation. He crafts performances that harmonize body movements with musical rhythms, reflecting profound narratives and captivating storytelling. Harshal's dedication to his art form and his ability to merge diverse dance disciplines make him a prominent figure in the world of dance.

Hojjat zeinali (iran)

Hojjat Zeinali, a distinguished member of ASSITEJ Iran, Unima Iran, and the Iranian Puppeteers Forum, is a performing arts creator who specializes in theatre for young audiences aged 4-8. He graduated in Puppet Theatre from the University of Tehran, College of Fine Arts, in 2019. Hojjat's artistic endeavors are deeply rooted in exploring native folklore, language, myths, and beliefs.

In 2022, Hojjat produced "The Story of Ahmad," a puppet show inspired by ethnic folklore stories. This performance garnered recognition at the "26th Bursa Children and Youth Theatre Festival 2022" in Turkey and the "9th Ankara International Puppet Theatre Festival 2023." Continuing his commitment to meaningful storytelling, Hojjat premiered "Ashiq Wants to Tell You a Story" in 2023. This digital show features Ashiq, a beloved Azerbaijani ethnic storyteller character, and was showcased at the "27th Bursa International Children and Youth Theatre Festival" in Turkey in 2023, with a subsequent performance in his hometown of Tabriz in April 2024.

Beyond his stage productions, Hojjat conducts periodic Creative Drama workshops and storytelling events in Tabriz and Tehran. These events provide children with opportunities to engage with the performing arts and immerse themselves in captivating narratives.

Hojjat's work reflects his deep appreciation for folklore and cultural traditions, striving to create memorable experiences that both entertain and educate young audiences. By harnessing the power of storytelling, he aims to cultivate an appreciation for the performing arts while inspiring curiosity, imagination, and a love for cultural heritage in children.

Kyle Hovatter (united states)

Kyle Hovatter (b. 1986), a San Francisco-based composer, creates music for classical and unconventional instruments. He has been commissioned by large ensembles such as Blueprint Ensemble and San Francisco Renaissance Voices, and has collaborated with soloists like pianist Sarah Cahill. Kyle also performs on piano and organ as Director of Music at Zion Lutheran Church in San Francisco, where he curates the refugee support series “Benefit Concerts at Zion,” fostering artist collaborations with Interfaith Refugee Welcome.

Hovatter's catalog includes orchestral, choral, chamber, and electronic genres. His recent collaborators include the Colibri Duo, Earplay Chamber Ensemble, Adam Cockerham, sfSound, Prism Percussion, Christin Schillinger, Jeff Anderle, and others. His works are published by Imagine Music Publishing and Forton Music, and have been featured at the recent conventions for the International Double Reed Society and Clarinet Fest.

Originally studying chemistry and then linguistics, Hovatter finally decided to focus his career on music after being mentored by Robert Coburn and François Rose at the University of the Pacific. He served as Director of Music at St. Peter School in Lodi, CA, then moved to San Francisco to study at the San Francisco Conservatory with Elinor Armer, and privately with Belinda Reynolds and Dan Becker. He is active in the San Francisco music scene, a member of the International Orange Chorale, maintains a private piano studio, and serves as the organist and Director of Music at Zion San Francisco.

Gaelan kameran ‘jazz’ (iraq)

Gaelan Kamran, known as Jazz, is a 26-year-old musician and composer from Erbil, Iraq. As a talented clarinetist, Gaelan has made a significant mark in the music world with his diverse musical influences, ranging from jazz and Balkan to classical, Klezmer, and Kurdish styles. He is the creator of his own album, "Chawilka," which showcases his unique musical vision.

Gaelan's passion for music extends beyond genres; he is inspired by collaborating with people from various countries and nationalities, continually seeking new experiences and perspectives to enrich his artistry. His work embodies a fusion of cultural sounds, reflecting his dedication to creating music that transcends boundaries and connects people worldwide.

Soheila bajelan (iran)

Soheila Bajelan, born in 1982 in Tehran, Iran, is an award-winning puppet designer and puppeteer. Soheila was the first artist of Flying Carpet and played a key role in the initial steps of the project, being part of the festival's founding team. She studied puppet design at Tehran University of Applied Science and Technology and graduated in 2002. Starting her professional career in 2003, she has designed and created hundreds of puppets for theater, Iranian television, cinema, and international festivals. She has also worked as a costume designer and puppeteer. She has performed in various countries and won numerous international awards for her work. Since 2014, under the supervision of Fleur Marie Fuentes from France, she has collaborated with UNIMA as a trainer and designer of giant puppets, currently developing and teaching puppet making in two different rural areas of Iran. Soheila believes in the power of art in disadvantaged communities and has organized workshops and performances in remote rural areas with limited opportunities.

Shayan Shariat (iran)

Shayan Shariat is a maker, multi-disciplinary designer, and puppeteer with a background in industrial design. After obtaining his bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from Tehran's Azad Art University, Shayan has collaborated with various artists, participated in numerous projects, and worked in multiple design companies in Tehran, focusing on concept development for a wide range of products and artworks. Since 2015, Shayan has collaborated with Soheila Bajelan, a renowned puppet designer from Iran, and has performed in many festivals throughout Iran. Shayan is a trouble-shooter who enjoys facing challenges in the design process and views each challenge as an opportunity to develop even more skills.

Özgür Mert (türkiye)

Özgür Mert, @ooozgurmert is a videographer and a visual storyteller and the founder of “Park Film” @parkfilm, a video production company based in Izmir. He has volunteered for several NGO’s and organizations in Turkey and all around the world. He believes in the power of arts and artists volunteering for underserved communities and have been on the carpet before in 2019. Özgür will be focusing on a short documentary about Sirkhane and Flying Carpet Festival this year and we believe his perspective, his energy and his vision will be a beautiful reflection of what our festival represents.

Bahman qobadi (iran)

Bahman Qobadi is a renowned Oud player, composer, and music educator. He founded the Muhayer Oud School in 2014, where he has been instrumental in shaping the talents of many aspiring musicians. Qobadi is also the founder, supervisor, and composer of the Ewmitan Orchestra, through which he has collaborated with some of Iran's most distinguished musicians to record his orchestral works.

As a musicologist, Qobadi specializes in Magham and modal music, delving deep into the traditional music of the Middle East. He is an organizer of numerous workshops in Iran, focusing on the performance and analysis of Middle Eastern music. His passion for folkloric music extends to Kurdish and Mesopotamian traditions, where he has made significant contributions as a folklorist.

In recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to music, Qobadi was selected as a composer and member of the Europe Composer Network (ECN) in December 2023. He was honored at the Christmas festival held in Austria, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the world of music composition and education

lyddia umlauf (united states)

Lydia Umlauf is a classical violinist from Dallas, Texas where she’s been a member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for 10 years.

Lydia received her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University's Jacob School of Music studying with Alexander Kerr. She is an alumnus of the Music Institute of Chicago's Academy program for gifted pre-college musicians where she studied with Desiree Ruhstrat and prior to her studies in Chicago, Lydia took violin lessons from Tamara Ringas in Indiana.

Passionate about traveling in all its forms, she has attended the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival orchestral academy in Germany, the New York String Orchestra Seminar at Carnegie Hall, and the Britt Festival under the direction of Teddy Abrams. Lydia has also been a member of the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson, Wyoming since 2019. As a result of both her love of classical music and her love of culture and night life, Lydia founded a classical chamber music series called Mozart in the Bar where small chamber groups play concerts semi-regularly all around the Dallas bar scene. In addition to violin, Lydia is an accomplished viola player and enjoys playing chamber music with an alto clef as much as she can.

When not in rehearsal, practicing, or brandishing a viola, you can often find Lydia dancing, talking loudly, reading, or traveling and maybe all four at once.

Nicole maria (united states)

Nicole Maria is a Bay Area-based dance artist who has been studying, teaching, and performing contemporary and traditional forms of SWANA dance over the last 15 years. She teaches and performs as a solo dancer and in various dance companies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As a performer, she is interested in portraying both contemporary and traditional forms of Middle Eastern dance as well as dances from Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans. Over her career, Nicole has been a part of various collaborations with different dance artists and musicians and has produced a wide range of events and performances bringing communities together.

Nicole received her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology with a minor in World Music from San Francisco State University. She has always been interested in the intersection of culture and dance and the study of dance in its sociocultural context.

She is extremely honored and excited to be a part of Flying Carpet Festival 2024 and create long lasting memories and connections for all of those involved.

Hanna nikalayeva (belarus)

Hanna was born in Minsk, Belarus, a city that would serve as the backdrop for her early artistic and academic pursuits. With a strong foundation in architecture and art, Hanna graduated from a prestigious technical university in Minsk, which equipped her with the skills to become a proficient 3D interior artist.

Hanna's professional journey is marked by her passion for creativity and her desire to maintain a harmonious balance between work and life. Embracing the flexibility of remote work, she has become a dedicated traveler, exploring new places while honing her craft as a 3D interior artist.

However, it is in the realm of face painting and makeup that Hanna has found her true calling. For over seven years, she has immersed herself in this creative field, drawing inspiration from the unique characters of the people she encounters. Face painting for Hanna transcends mere artistry; it is an intimate form of expression that captures genuine emotions, whether the canvas is the face of an adult or a child.

Hanna's expertise and dedication have led her and her team to participate in a myriad of events, ranging from children’s and adult holidays to corporate parties, music festivals, and photoshoots. Each project is a testament to her belief that face painting is an art form capable of creating profound connections and real emotions.

In every brushstroke and every vibrant design, Hanna continues to merge her architectural precision with her artistic flair, transforming faces into living canvases and bringing joy to countless individuals. Her journey as an artist is a testament to the power of creativity and the endless possibilities that arise when passion and talent converge.

Hans bllichert (canada)

Hans Blichert is a Canadian bass player and composer from the city of Montreal. He holds a B.A. in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. Hans discovered his individual voice early on which led him to perform throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Spain with numerous jazz groups. This includes performances at the Festival de Jazz International de Montreal and Taipei Jazz Festivals among others. His experiences have resulted in working with highly praised jazz musicians such as Ashlin Parker, Andre Hayward, Bill McHenry, Scott Tixier, and Shelley Carrol to name a few. He is an active freelance bass player that tours the US with various bands and is based in Dallas, Texas.

negar najibolashrafi (iran)

Negar Najibolashrafi, born in 2001, in Tehran, Iran, is a distinguished musician and Qanun player. Her musical journey began at the conservatory, where she was drawn to the Qanun for its beautiful sound and relative obscurity. Under the tutelage of Hanane Saeedi, she spent six years honing her craft, performing with various groups in prestigious venues like Vahdat and Rudaki music halls.

She furthered her education at the University of Arts, specializing in Iranian music. Post-graduation, she became a Qanun soloist with the Ewmitan Orchestra, led by Bahman Ghobadi, contributing to the oriental classical and world music genres. In 2023, she recorded "The News Came," a track composed by Ghobadi.

In addition to performing, Najibolashrafi is an Orff-certified coach and has dedicated the past six years to teaching Qanun and children's music at various institutes in Tehran. She has also attended workshops with renowned Qanun players Göksel Baktagir and Omar Ziyad, further enriching her musical expertise.

torfeh ekhlasi (iran)

Torfeh Ekhlasi is a distinguished visual artist and activist residing in Iran. Her multifaceted artistry encompasses a range of mediums, including various forms of puppetry, theatrical and stop-motion animation, masks, costumes, and installations. Torfeh's work is deeply inspired by the narratives of people within Iranian society, and she skillfully blends traditional customs and folk stories with her commitment to addressing social issues, particularly focusing on women's and children's rights.

Driven by a passion for using art to amplify marginalized voices, Torfeh has dedicated her practice to creating characters and performances that resonate with her audience and highlight important societal themes. Her dedication to social advocacy through art is further enriched by her involvement in educational workshops in remote areas. These workshops provide invaluable experiences to participants and allow Torfeh to collaborate with multidisciplinary artists, including directors, musicians, and dancers.

Among her notable contributions is her management of puppet workshops for traumatized and disabled children in Iran, as well as for disadvantaged communities on the Turkish border with Syria. These initiatives underscore her commitment to using art as a therapeutic and empowering tool for vulnerable populations.

Torfeh holds a bachelor's degree in Visual Communication from Shariaty University and has extensive experience in graphic design. Her background in visual communication informs her diverse artistic practice, enabling her to create impactful and meaningful art that speaks to a wide audience.

polina rusakovich (belarus)

Polina Rusakovich is an artist and art teacher from Minsk, Belarus. With five years of experience in teaching art to students of all ages, from kindergarteners to adults, she brings a wealth of creativity and passion to her classes. Polina’s educational background is in architecture and urban studies, and she is currently exploring the world of ceramics, where she continues to expand her artistic horizons.

Her love for creativity and exploration drives her to constantly seek new hobbies and skills, blending techniques from various fields into her work. Polina’s enthusiasm for different cultures and travel has led her to participate in folklore festivals in Belarus, where she performs traditional Belarusian music.

In addition to her music performances, Polina enjoys sharing her cultural heritage through classes on Vycinanka, a traditional Belarusian paper-cutting art form. She also collaborates with her friend Hanna in creating face paintings, adding a personal touch to community events and celebrations.

John Sanborn (united states)

John Sanborn is a key member of the second wave of American video artists, including Bill Viola, Gary Hill, Dara Birnbaum, and Tony Oursler. Sanborn’s work spans the early days of experimental video art in the 1970s through the heyday of MTV music/videos and interactive art to the digital media art of today.
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His work has been shown at major museums worldwide, including the Whitney Museum; MoMA, New York; the Prado, Madrid; the Centre Pompidou, Paris; the Tate Gallery, London; and the Seibu Museum, Tokyo. Sanborn’s television programs have been broadcast worldwide, including works with Robert Ashley, Bill T. Jones, John Zorn, Nam June Paik, Philip Glass, Twyla Tharp, Mikhail Baryshnikov, David Gordon, and The Residents.
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Sanborn’s recent works are media installations addressing questions of identity, cultural truth, memory, mythologies, and humanity’s compulsion to tell stories.
www.johnsanborn-video.com

seba kourani (lebanon)

Seba Kourani, a theater practitioner, performer, puppeteer, and trainer based in Beirut. She holds a degree in Theater, Cinema, and Television (Theater Department) from the Lebanese University and a diploma in Puppet Therapy with Puppet Therapy School Chile in collaboration with UNIMA for puppets.

Currently, she is associate partner with “Artists with Elbows” in the UK. She also participated as a performer in many performances such as “The Other Side of the Garden” directed by Ousama Halal in (Brussels, Ghent, and Beirut), “ All the Names” a one to one performance directed by Alaa dineElalem in (Beirut). She contributed to building a “La Demande d’emploi” a theater performance as a collaborator and co-director with Hamza Hamada, which was presented in March 2022 in Beirut.

She also works on integrating arts and theater techniques in projects concerned with social change and capacity building. As a theater trainer, she develops curricula based on the arts in the fields of mental health, psychosocial support, and education. She uses theater as an interactive tool to open dialogue with different communities and work with youth to empower them, which represents an important part of her work.

Sina opalka (germany)

Sina Opalka, a Berlin-based artist, was born in 1991. At the age of 16, she received a scholarship to the fadbk in Essen, where she studied free media with a concentration in photography and video art. Alongside her studies, she wrote poems and short texts, which she presented at open reading stages, leading to the publication of her book “because I’ll still exist tomorrow” in April 2008.

Her academic journey was interrupted by illness, prompting her to explore photography outside of traditional academic settings. She began contributing to the online photo magazine Kwerfeldein and embarked on numerous hitchhiking trips that fueled her desire to document the stories, dreams, ideas, and fears of the people she encountered. This narrative-driven approach led to her first publications in various magazines and the beginning of her career as a freelance photographer.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sina enrolled in a photo editing course at the Ostkreuzschule for Photography, completing it in February 2022. That same month, she traveled to Kiev to create a series of portraits focusing on young people. These portraits were later published by DER SPIEGEL and exhibited at the Hamburg Schauspielhaus and in the group exhibition “MATERIAL NATION - Crossing Into Uncertainty” at Urania Berlin in July 2022.

Sina Opalka's work has been featured in DER SPIEGEL, Mare Magazin, Werde Magazin, Neues Deutschland, and Weekender Magazine, among others. Her diverse body of work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling through both written and visual media.

Pyròvaghi Duo (italy)

Pyròvaghi Duo was born in Tenerife in 2016, following several collaborations with other companies such as Duo Tandava, Tandava Kalari, and Le Stanghe.

Marilù Nardelli studied stilts, physical and vocal theatre at Potlach Theatre, Commedia dell’Arte, clowning, Living Theatre, and Shadow Theatre. From 2006, she performed with “Milon Mela” for three years, and in 2013 she graduated with honors in Theatre from La Sapienza University. In 2009, she became a "Kalaripayattu Teacher" at KESMA school in Kerala. In 2013-2014, she worked on stilts with Liana Orfei Golden Circus, performed for the Pope in San Pietro Square, and began a collaboration with “Cirque du Liban" in Qatar.

Nicola Chiappini began studying juggling in London in 2011. In 2012, he started working as an Outdoor Sports teacher, continuing his juggling and acrobatics activities. In 2016, he began studying Kalaripayattu martial art and Fire Dance.

Together, Marilù and Nicola participate in major Buskers festivals, Medieval Festivals, and private events. They collaborate with La Sapienza University, teaching stilt techniques and street theatre, and with Bondorò Festival in Hungary. In 2022, they created a new fire show, "Maktub," which synthesizes their travels around the world and is inspired by the epic poem "La Gerusalemme Liberata."

aaron kierbel (united states)

Aaron is an artistic, optimistic, rhythmical, humorous, genuine, sometimes unrealistic but always curious world traveller. He is the founder of RhythmALLogy, an organization using interactive drumming and rhythm making for building community and human potential. He has presented workshops for elders in senior homes, executives at Google and inmates in prisons. He is a proud teaching artist in public schools throughout the SF Bay area, bringing music into underserved communities that don't have access to arts funding. Amazingly, he has learned to love working with middle schoolers, but also delights in working with people of all ages.

He has studied traditional drumming with master drummers in Cuba and Ghana as well as flown around the world to study with master teachers in community music, ORFF and drum circle facilitation. He is an in-demand drummer, playing with many top Bay Area bands like Jazz Mafia, Orchestra Gold and La Misa Negra, as well as touring internationally with Rupa and the April Fishes, a genre bending band who's played in 30 countries over the past 15 years.

Over the pandemic, with the overabundance of free time, Aaron taught himself how to do stop-motion filmmaking and created a film company called Chicha Films. Over the last few years, his animated shorts have won several awards and have been featured on Democracy Now.

Venessa Kourtesi (greece)

Vanessa Kourtesi is a versatile vocalist, songwriter, and voice educator originally from Athens, Greece, now based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Her music draws inspiration from East Mediterranean and Greek modal music, ambient, jazz, and improvisation. As a songwriter and lyricist, Vanessa narrates memories from reality and imagination, exploring the limits between poetry and song.

In 2022, Vanessa released her debut EP, "Spending Time with Esther," which she composed and produced. She is currently working on her next personal album, set for release in 2024. Vanessa is also a co-founding member, composer, and lead vocalist of the band Merem, which released a new record in 2023. Additionally, she co-founded the international band "The Circle Orchestra."

Vanessa has participated in numerous projects related to Greek Traditional and East Mediterranean music, performing and touring across Europe in a variety of venues, theaters, and festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, AnoPolis World Music Festival, O. Festival Rotterdam, Delfshaven World Music Festival, Paradiso Amsterdam, Tivoli Vradenburg, Athens Concert Hall, Ancient Theater of Patras, and the Theater of Herodes Atticus. She has collaborated with various musicians for concerts, discography, and motion pictures, including Nikos Sidirokastritis, Harris Labrakis, Blame Kandinsky, Collectif Medz Bazar, Broken Strings Music, Efthimios Stavropoulos, Fotis Vergopoulos, Nefeli Beri, Andreas Kiltsiksis, Friso van Wijck, Josue Amador, and Thodoris Ziarkas.

As an enthusiastic vocal teacher, Vanessa teaches individually and facilitates workshops on voice, performance, and Greek traditional music in Belgium, France, Germany, and Greece. She is a voice tutor at Modern Music School in Aschaffenburg, Germany. Her research focuses on Musical Performance Anxiety in singing and the role of play and improvisation in performance practices. Vanessa holds an MA in Voice Pedagogy from the Voice Study Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, a BA in Vocal Performance from Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam, and a BA in Law from the Law School of Athens.

nima dehghani (iran/united states)

Nima Dehghani is an interdisciplinary artist born in Tehran. He holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from IUST and a master's degree in fine arts from Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on digital media and performance art.

Nima is the founder of Re-Connect online performance festival and CtrlZ theater group. He is currently based in San Francisco and works predominantly in the field of experimental theater, VR, and video projection design. He also teaches a "digital storytelling workshop" specifically designed for refugee children and underserved communities in collaboration with different nonprofits in Oakland and Berlin.

Yeser Vesek (Türkiye)

Born on February 15, 1989, in the Cizre region of Şırnak, Yeser Vesek’s early life was steeped in the rich traditions of Kurdish music and oral literature, profoundly influenced by his family’s cultural heritage. His journey in education took him to the western cities of Turkey, where he completed his primary, middle, and high school education. It was during this time that he first encountered the evocative tones of traditional Turkish music.

In 2010, Yeser graduated as a Turkologist from the Department of Turkish Language and Literature at a university in Mardin, a city renowned for its traditional architecture and historical cultural diversity. His academic pursuits did not end there; he is currently a master’s student in the Folklore Studies department at the 100th Year University.

Yeser’s musical and literary interests are diverse and expansive. He has a particular affinity for the kemençe (ribab), saz, and the dengbêj tradition. Inspired by the sounds of globally acclaimed artists such as Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan, Yeser seeks to create new narratives and music within the dengbêj tradition. His creative works aim to blend the tones of modern Western music with traditional storytelling, and he is equally adept at infusing modern literary genres into his musical compositions. Sometimes, he reverses this approach, crafting lyrics that combine these diverse musical influences.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Yeser is a prolific translator, working in both Kurdish and Turkish languages. He writes poetry and long narratives, and his expertise has been sought by various literary writers for consultancy and editorial work. Additionally, Yeser has applied his writing skills in the commercial sector, creating copy for various clothing and food brands.

Yeser Vesek’s life and work represent a unique fusion of traditional and modern influences, making significant contributions to both the literary and musical landscapes. His ongoing efforts continue to enrich and innovate within the fields of music and literature.

Ibrahim Albadah (Syria)

Ibrahim Albadah, born in 2004 in Syria, is a talented musician currently residing in Turkey. At 20 years old, Ibrahim is a self-taught pianist and a Duduk player who learned to play by ear, without relying on sheet music. His passion for music ignited at a young age, and he never grew tired of listening to the piano. Instantly captivated by the instrument, he felt a profound connection to its sound from the moment he pressed his first keys. This deep emotional resonance inspired him to pursue learning the piano, leading him on a journey of musical discovery and expression.