Sussan Deyhim facts for kids

Sussan Deyhim (Persian: سوسن دیهیم; born December 14, 1958) is an Iranian-American artist. She is a talented composer, singer, and dancer. Sussan is also known as a performance artist and an activist. People around the world know her for creating a special vocal style. The LA Times newspaper once called her "one of Iran's most powerful voices."

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Sussan Deyhim was born in Tehran, Iran, on December 14, 1958. She grew up in a family that loved music. Sussan was the youngest of eleven children. Her home was always full of different kinds of music, both old and new.

During her summers, Sussan went to a special dance and arts camp. This camp was by the Caspian Sea and at the Shirazz Festival. When she was 13, she joined the Iranian National Ballet Company. She even got a scholarship to study at a performing arts school in Brussels.

In 1976, Sussan was accepted into the famous Bejart Ballet. Later, in 1980, she moved to New York City. There, she wanted to focus on her music. Sussan's music mixes her ancient heritage with new, personal ideas. She once said she wanted to create something "cool and an interesting hybrid relevant to our times."

Musical Journey and Unique Style

Sussan Deyhim's music is a blend of different sounds. She uses special vocal techniques and digital effects. She also includes the ancient, mystical sounds of Middle Eastern music. This creates a powerful mix of Eastern and Western styles.

Her artistic career started early, at age 13. She danced with Iran's Pars National Ballet company. They performed every week on Iranian national television. During that time, Sussan traveled Iran to learn from master folk musicians and dancers.

In 1976, she joined Maurice Béjart's well-known Béjart Ballet in Europe. She received a scholarship to attend his performance-art school, Mudra. There, she learned many world dance, music, and theater traditions. She also studied classical ballet.

After leaving Tehran in 1980, Sussan moved to New York. She started a diverse career in music, theater, dance, and media. She worked with many leading artists. Some of these include Ornette Coleman, Peter Gabriel, and Bobby McFerrin. She also collaborated with visual artists like Shirin Neshat.

In 2006, Sussan moved to Los Angeles. She has recorded for Sony Classical and her own label, Venus Rising. She has released five new albums. These albums feature her work in film, multimedia, and recent collaborations.

Sussan often sings in Farsi, her native language. Her unique voice can be heard in the Oscar-winning film Argo. The band U2 also used her song "Windfall/Beshno Az Ney" for their 360 tour. She has performed with orchestras like the Polish Radio Orchestra. She has also received commissions to compose music for groups like Bang On A Can. Sussan has performed her music at many major venues. These include Lincoln Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, and Albert Hall.

Activism and Inspiring Others

Sussan Deyhim often takes part in humanitarian events. She performs at benefits to help people. For example, in 2001, she performed at a meeting of spiritual leaders at the United Nations. She also performed at the first Gathering of Female Spiritual Leaders in Geneva.

In 2009, she performed at a sold-out concert at the UN General Assembly. This event raised money for children in Pakistan who had lost their homes. She performed alongside other famous people like Salman Ahmad.

Sussan's work "Dawn of the Cold Season" is a mixed-media art project. It was inspired by the poet Forough Farrokhzad. This project shares a strong, open feminist message. Sussan's outspoken views have meant she cannot return to Iran.

Awards and Recognition

Sussan Deyhim received the Czech Lion Award for Best Music. She won this award for her work on the movie Tobruk (2008).

Videos

• Sussan Deyhim with Polish Radio Orchestra (Music by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek, vocal improvisations by Sussan Deyhim)
• Deyhim at the Grand Performances in Los Angeles
• Deyhim in Argo recording sessions
• Deyhim live with Maetar, 2012 Zeitgeist Media Festival, Hollywood, CA
• Deyhim at Grand Performances 2011– Sange Khara
• Beyond Conventions: Live Performance by Susan Deyhim
• A short film about the Sussan Deyhim Exhibit at Shulamit Gallery
• Interview with Sussan Deyhim | 2012 Zeitgeist Media Festival, LA
• Sussan Deyhim at the Catalina Jazz Feb.2017