Music and poetry are inextricably linked in Persian culture.

One of the connecting threads is the open-ended spirituality of Sufism. That’s what animates the dazzling collaboration between the Vashaan Ensemble, which includes some of Canada’s finest Iranian musicians, and Sufi devotional singer Davod Azad, who’ll join forces at North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre on Saturday (January 23). Expect music of great strength and subtlety along with emotionally charged singing—and for visual interest there will also be two Dervish dancers, twirling nonstop in a state of meditative grace.