The Rumi&Shams ensemble, consisting of Mostafa Taleb (kamancheh) and Milad Mohammadi (tar), offers a musical tribute to the historic encounter between the poet Rumi and his spiritual master, Shams Tabrizi. Inspired by Shams’ words about “knowledge that water cannot erase,” Rumi devoted himself to mysticism, poetry, and music, eventually becoming one of the great Persian poets. 

Both of Iranian origin, Taleb and Mohammadi were reunited in Europe with the aim of presenting the essence of Persian culture—a fusion of poetry, spirituality, and philosophy. Drawing on their classical musical backgrounds, improvisational skills, and compositional talents, they explore the boundaries of the kamancheh and tar. 

• Mostafa Taleb: kamancheh
• Milad Mohammadi: tar 

Sounds of the Cities invites you to discover the musical cultures of migrant communities in Antwerp and Brussels from 2026 to 2028. In the autumn of 2026, we’ll turn our focus to the rich musical traditions of Iran in numerous events. Sounds of the Cities is a collaboration between Muziekpublique, MIM, Muziekmuseum Vleeshuis and vzw Wesp / Merodefestival, with the support of the Flemish Government. You can find all events on klankenvandesteden.be.