Laleh-Zar [Tulip Field] (2024) - ca. 11'

2, 2, 2, 2 – 2, 2, 2, 0 - timp+1 - strings

Commissioned by Horizon Ensemble

Performances:

Horizon Ensemble, Conducted by Julian Gau

October 6th, 2024 at Church of the Covenant in Boston, MA

Program Notes:

In Persian mythology, the tulip is a symbol deeply connected to themes of love, sacrifice, and martyrdom. The red tulip in particular often represents those who have sacrificed their lives for love or for a noble cause.

One of the most notable legends involving tulips is that of Farhad and Shirin. According to the story, Farhad, a sculptor, falls in love with the beautiful Shirin. However, he is tricked into believing that Shirin has died, leading him to take his own life. From each drop of his blood, a red tulip blooms, symbolizing his undying love and the pain of his sacrifice. The tulip field, in a broader sense, may symbolize the collective sacrifice of martyrs, and in modern Iranian culture, tulips are often used to honor those who have given their lives for freedom and justice. The phrase "the land of tulips" or "tulip field" has been used to describe Iran in poetic terms, emphasizing the country's rich history of sacrifice and resistance.