PCC’s Board Meetings
The Board of Directors of the Persian Cultural Center convened on January 8 and February 12 to discuss, review, and plan the Center’s activities.
Music Recital with Director Kourosh Taghavi – January 17, 2026
At 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, the Center’s hall was filled with eager spectators to witness a concert by several Iranian music students. The program, conducted by Kourosh Taghavi, featured instrumental solos and ensembles and received an enthusiastic reception. Before the program began, Kourosh Taghavi spoke about recent events in Iran and the tragedy of the mass killings of protesters; he then invited participants to observe one minute of silence in memory of the victims.
Jong e Farhangi – January 24, 2026
The guest of the Jong e Farhangi (cultural variety show) for January was Parviz Parvaresh, a film and theater actor, university professor, and winner of Best Actor at the first Fajr Festival. In this program, several artists who studied under Parvaresh at the University of Tehran’s College of Fine Arts in the 1970s were also present. First, Ali Sadr, the host, offered condolences to those affected by the recent killings in Iran and invited the audience to a minute of silence in memory of the dead. Then Hamid Ehyā, one of the professor’s students, gave a brief biography of Parvaresh and a short film about him by Afshin Hashemi was shown. After that Ali Sadr interviewed Parvaresh. Before the session ended with Q&A, Mahmoud Berouzian, another student of the professor, shared memories with the participants. This program took place at the Iranian American Center. The video of this memorable gathering is available on PCC’s YouTube channel.
A Vigil of Mourning and Solidarity for the People of Iran – January 30, 2026
An evening candlelight vigil with reflective music, providing a space for presence, unity, and solidarity with the people of Iran, took place at the Iranian American Center. The Persian Cultural Center, the Association of Iranian American Professionals, and the House of Iran invited the community to the vigil in solidarity with the people of Iran, who are enduring some of the most brutal and darkest days of suffering. Over 300 people attended. Attendees lit candles and enjoyed live music and poetry.
Performance of the One-Act Play “Daughters of Teresa and Sheikh San’an” – January 31, 2026
The one-act, solo performance of “Daughters of Teresa and Sheikh San’an”, was deftly performed by Shadi Monini-nejad on the Iranian Center stage on Saturday, January 31. At the outset, in memory of those killed in Iran’s recent events, the audience stood in a minute of silence. Then Shahrokh Moshkin-Ghalam delivered a comprehensive talk about Persian poetry, famous classical poets, and the role of mysticism. He discussed Attar and the tale of “Daughters of Teresa and Sheikh San’an,” noting that this performance, drawn from the romantic masterpiece “The Conference of the Birds,” contains important lessons about true love in simple, symbolic language. After a short pause, Monini-nejad took the stage and delivered the performance with skill. She also used various percussion instruments placed around the stage. Among Attar’s verses, she drew on Saadi, Hafez, and Rumi to color the performance. The rendition was met with exceptional applause from the audience.
Art Exhibition “Dialogue Across Difference” – February 7 to March 8, 2026
On the evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026, art enthusiasts attended the opening of the art exhibition by artists Fereydun Mazzei, Mehdi Baghaeian, and Andre Ghadesmian at the Iranian American Center. Several works by these artists were on display. This was a remarkable opportunity for San Diego art lovers to become acquainted with the artists’ works up close. This exhibition will continue until March 8, 2026.
A Poet and a Poem – February 18, 2026
The 44th session from the series A Poet and A Poem, under the subtitle My Homeland: Iran, was held virtually in solidarity with the people of Iran. No specific poet was highlighted as the session was an open poetry reading by attendees.
Jong e Farhangi – February 27, 2026
Reza Allamehzadeh renowned filmmaker, critic, and writer, was a guest on the February Jong e Farhangi, where he unveiled the book The Adventures of the Lens and the Pen: The Writer’s Artistic Memoirs. In conversation with Ali Sadr, the program’s host, he shared a glimpse of his memories in Iran before the revolution and in exile. He then answered the audience’s questions. The program took place on the evening of Friday, February 27, at the Iranian American Center.
