Music fans the world over have missed seeing music performed on stage during lockdown.
The CAN team is no exception.
We were absolutely delighted to be part of the team together with Manchester Libraries and Crossing Footprints, to present Seyed Ali Jaberi and the Hamdel Ensemble‘s music with live audiences at Manchester Central Library’s performance space on Saturday 17 July 2021.
Seyed Ali Jaberi reflected on the emotional experience of performing to a live audience again:
“Playing a live performance once again really cannot be described. My last performance was exactly one month before the first lockdown started on Friday 13 March 2020. Before that, I’d performed live every month of the year.”
“Like every musician, I really lived with my audience by playing to them. The best part of performing live is seeing people’s reactions to the music you’re playing. Their emotions…everything. It’s indescribable how that makes you feel. I can say in some ways the last 16 months was like the end of life, but during that time I also learned a lot of life lessons.”
“The Iranian community TV channel CNGTV filmed the concert so it will reach the Iranian community in the UK – I know they’ve been missing live music, too.”
“And I’m delighted to say that I will be playing live at different places in the UK from September onwards.”
We asked Seyed if he was tired after the performance and he told us:
“Never!”
Follow the news of Seyed Ali Jaberi and the Hamdel Ensemble‘s live appearances in the UK on Twitter @seyedalijaberi
We’d forgotten just how wonderful the live experience is! Here are some photographs from the event.
More photos here:
Photos: Shirlaine Forrest.
This event was just one of CAN’s series of events celebrating Libraries of Sanctuary where three library services – Manchester, Bolton, and Oldham – have now received the Library of Sanctuary Award as part of this national movement.
This event was presented by CAN, in partnership with Manchester Central Library and Crossing Footprints.
