Rastak

Rastak (رستاک) is one of the most recognized names in contemporary Iranian folk music. Originally formed as an experimental music group, the ensemble collects, records, and reimagines folk songs from across Iran, bringing these living traditions to audiences far beyond their places of origin.

On stages around the world, Rastak carries the sounds of Iran’s many regions through folk songs, regional languages, traditional instruments, layered vocals, and contemporary arrangements.

For those who already know Rastak, this is a chance to experience one of Iran’s most loved contemporary folk ensembles live in Toronto. For those discovering them for the first time, this is an invitation into the richness, energy, and cultural depth of Iranian folk music.

This September, Small World Music presents Rastak at The Creative School Chrysalis in Toronto for an evening of music, culture, and storytelling. Their music moves across regions, memories, and traditions, transforming songs rooted in local communities into a vivid live concert experience.

Songlines wrote that Rastak creates “a compelling sound world,” shaped by tar, setar, electric oud, qanun, kamancheh, percussion, and voices that carry the spirit of place.

About the Performance

Rastak’s performance takes you through different musical landscapes of Iran, drawing from local songs, languages, rhythms, and cultural stories. Their concerts are known for their energy, movement, and deep connection to regional traditions.

Through years of research, travel, and collaboration, Rastak has built a sound that honours the authenticity of folk music while bringing it to the contemporary stage. You will hear music connected to celebration, memory, daily life, longing, and community, arranged with the power and immediacy of a live ensemble.

Experience the Music

Rastak’s music opens a window into the many cultures, regions, and musical traditions of Iran. You may hear melodies connected to Kurdistan, Lorestan, Balochistan, Hormozgan, Kermanshah, and beyond, carried through voice, strings, percussion, and regional instruments.

Their sound is both rooted and alive. Folk songs become full ensemble arrangements. Traditional instruments meet contemporary rhythm. Local stories become shared musical experiences. Whether the music feels familiar to you or completely new, Rastak invites you to listen closely to the diversity, beauty, and emotional range of Iranian folk traditions.

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About Rastak

Formed in 1997, Rastak is one of the most recognized names in Iranian contemporary folk music. The group was founded with a mission to collect, record, and interpret Iranian folk music for audiences around the world, bringing together language, culture, history, traditional forms, and contemporary rhythms.

In Farsi, “Rastak” means a newly sprouted shoot growing from the base of a tree. The name reflects the ensemble’s vision: drawing from the deep roots of Iranian culture while giving new life to its musical heritage.

Rastak’s work has reached audiences internationally, with performances across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Their recent album Tales of Earth and Sun was nominated for Global Folk Album of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards, further recognizing the ensemble’s place in today’s global folk music landscape.

 
Presented by Small World Music
In partnership with The Creative School Chrysalis and Digital Zone Canada 

            

 

The 2026 Small World Music Series is sponsored by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and funded by the Government of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.

                                       

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Venue Details

The Creative School Chrysalis
43 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, Ontario

Located on the campus of Toronto Metropolitan University, Chrysalis is a multidisciplinary performance space in the heart of downtown Toronto. Formerly known as Ryerson Theatre, the venue is near Yonge Street and Gerrard Street East.

Chrysalis is close to two TTC subway stations on Line 1: approximately a 7-minute walk from TMU/Dundas Station and a 6-minute walk from College Station. Paid parking options are also available nearby.

For more venue information, accessibility, and directions, please visit the Chrysalis.

For questions and inquiries about accessibility requests, please email us at boxoffice@smallworldmusic.com or call us at 416-536-5439.