Norwegian World Orchestra, Javid Afsari Rad - Bigah (2025) [Hi-Res]

Scheduled for release in 2025, Bigah is a monumental work by the Norwegian World Orchestra (NOWOR) under the artistic direction of santur master Javid Afsari Rad. The recording features a unique ensemble of twelve musicians, combining a classical string quartet with virtuosos of traditional instruments from Iran, Senegal, India, and Morocco. The album's musical tapestry is built upon a dialogue between Persian tonal systems and Western orchestration, creating a rich, transcultural sound. The title "Bigah" alludes to a philosophical contemplation of time and space, where boundaries between musical traditions blur to create a unified harmonic language.

NOWOR (Norwegian World Orchestra)

Javid Afsari Rad – santoor, vocal & composer
Unni Løvlid - vocals
Nanou Coul - vocals
Emilie Lidsheim - violin
Harpreet Bansal - violin
Inger Hannisdal - violin
Maria Quevedo - cello
Adrian Fiskum Myhr - double bass
Ibou Cissokho - kora
Michaela Antalová - xylophone, percussion
Andreas Bratlie - tablas, percussion
Sidiki Camara - percussion


Tracklist:
01-01 Norwegian World Orchestra - Zangooleh - Introduction [2:31]
01-02 Norwegian World Orchestra - Bigah [15:06]
01-03 Norwegian World Orchestra - Prelude [6:36]
01-04 Norwegian World Orchestra - Mokhalef [8:28]
01-05 Norwegian World Orchestra - Home [7:42]
01-06 Norwegian World Orchestra - Reng Segah [5:12]
01-07 Norwegian World Orchestra - Chant of Earth [12:47]
01-08 Norwegian World Orchestra - Ey Sareban [5:56]