Choir from Iran breaking down barriers

CINCINNATI - Voria, a four-person choir from Iran, won a gold medal in the Folk category in the 2012 World Choir Games. But their passion for music and desire to share it might be what they are remembered for the most.

"We want to let the rest of the world know about our culture and our classical Persian music," said Yashar Mazloomi through an interpreter.

Mazloomi and Erfal Heydary are the two male members of Voria. The two women, Mahdieh Abdollahi and Nasibeh Abdollahi are sisters.

"I love music. That is my passion. I want to learn more about music and if I can find that opportunity to do that here that would be a dream come true," said Mahdieh.

Voria arrived on their own and not part of an official Iranian delegation.

"Since there is no American embassy in Iran we had to travel to Uzbekistan to obtain visas to the United States," said Heydary.

The members of Voria are in the United States on six-month visas and after securing their gold medals will now spend time in California with friends and family.

Voria declined to speak about political matters between the United States and Iran but do believe music can at least bring the people of both countries together.

"We are giving a gift to the people. As you provide a gift to other people then the walls will break down," said Heydary.

Whether the four will be able to study music in the United States remains to be seen but it is likely the uplifting sounds of Voria will be heard for a long time to come.