The Humā, a mythical bird in Iranian legends, is renowned for never touching the ground, perpetually stays in the sky. Resembling a phoenix, it burns itself and comes back to life. This magnificent creature, symbolizing compassion and fortune, is believed to bring auspiciousness through its shadow.

This music composition serves as a conceptual representation of this majestic bird and its mysterious characteristics, utilizing the renowned Humāyun modal scale in Iranian music (the term “Humāyun” directly translates to “Humā-like.”)

Premiered by: Michie Graduate String Quartet
Venue: Libby Gardner Concert Hall, School of Music, University of Utah, November 2024