As a teen, Zhila Kashaninia fled her native Iran as a violent revolution gripped the nation and the ruling Shah left the country.
Nearly 40 years later, Kashaninia is donating her time and talent to help the James Bay Refugee Initiative bring a young Syrian woman to Victoria.
An Evening of Spanish Songs and Music comes to Oak Bay United Church Saturday, March 25.
Kashaninia, a mezzo soprano, will sing Spanish songs, accompanied by pianist Robert Holliston. Holliston and violinist Gwen Thompson will also play music of Spanish composers together.
Kashaninia sees the concert as a bringing together of cultures. While studying at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, she discovered that though the roots of flamenco music appear hazy, it likely emerged from a melding of different traditions, cultures and religions.
“During the 1400s, when South of Spain was under Arab rule, there were Muslims, Christians, Jews and Gypsies all living together,” Kashaninia says. “It’s quite possible that flamenco is a blending of all these cultures.”
It’s an appropriate theme today when unity, openness and tolerance are more important than ever.
“I am so grateful to be able to do this concert with such amazing musicians who also believe in this great cause that is so close to my heart.” Zhila Kashaninia said.
Despite not having Spanish roots, the singer says this music can be enjoyed by everyone. “I was drawn to flamenco music. All of us, when we hear this music, find in it a piece of ourselves,” she says.
She was drawn to help the James Bay Refugee Initiative because of her own experiences, though she acknowledges she had it relatively easy.
“I didn’t go through anything like this, leaving with just the clothes on your back and living in a refugee camp for so many months or even years,” she says. “Most of these people are like you and I. They had a life but they now must leave or face being killed.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the music beginning at 8 p.m. at Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St. Tickets are $20 and are available from Long and McQuade, the church office or at the door.
A CD recording of Kashaninia and Holliston performing Spanish Songs will also be available for sale. All proceeds from the evening benefit the James Bay Refugee Initiative.