Sacred Sounds – An Evening of Sufi Music and Meditation

An Evening of Sufi Music and Meditation with Delojaan and special guests.

Delojaan offer a rare taste of the ritual music of a contemporary Sufi House, with poetry from Rumi, Hafez and contemporary Sufi poets.

Charity event:
All money raised will be in support of Matthew Talbot Homeless Service - Woolloomooloo.

Nearly all religious and spiritual traditions use the human voice and select musical instruments as expressions of, and connections to the sacred. The vibratory experience of attunement with the sacred is created not only through the intent of the musician, but through the sincerity and the vulnerability of open-hearted listening. In the words of Hafiz: “People say that on hearing the song the soul entered the body, but in reality the soul itself was song.”

Sufi music has been part of the ritual practice of sama’ from the tenth/eleventh century CE (if not earlier). A sama’ session usually starts with music and singing of poetry and gradually builds up to chanting of a name or phrase (remembrance of God) under the direction and attention of a Sufi master. Although there is a difference between Sufi music as ritual practice and Sufi music as performance, there is no question that in both instances the sacred is the focus of the production and its guiding force.

Delojaan came together to play authentic Sufi ritual music as part of their spiritual practice. This concert is a rare opportunity to see this music performed for an audience.

The music of the Sydney Sufi Ensemble is inspired by the rich musical heritage of the Nimatullahi sufi order, which originated in Iran, and has strong influences from Persian classical, Indian, Turkish and Kurdish music. This is a sound born in the Sufi heartland - where Sufism evolved and from where it spread throughout the world.

The music ranges from meditative to ecstatic, taking a listener through a succession of states and emotions. Although Sufi ritual sessions take place in private, this performance will give the audience a taste of the contemporary Sufi House environment, a glimpse of a living mystical culture.

This event is general admission. Seating is limited. If you wish to meditate or sit on the floor, please bring a cushion or mat.