Meet Denná Good-Mojab

This incredible Iranian American solo vocal performer will be the opening act at the CulturalFest Performance Showcase!

Guest Post by Denná Good-Mojab

Denná Good-Mojab

Denná is one of twelve acts performing at the CulturalFest Performance Showcase on February 8 at Meany Hall. Learn more about CulturalFest - we hope to see you there!

I am a 17-year-old, graduating senior in the School of Music at the University of Washington (UW). I am majoring in vocal performance. While I specialize in opera and art song, as an Iranian American I also sing Iranian world music. My YouTube channel has video clips of some of my performances.

My interest in music—particularly singing and playing piano—began when I was very young. In 2007, at the age of 10, I debuted with the Portland Opera as the Second Spirit in Mozart's “The Magic Flute.” I have now performed in a total of 9 operas with professional and university opera companies, including the Seattle Opera, Portland Opera, and Opera Theater Oregon. And, I study piano at UW when I can fit it in my schedule.

I am also involved in many musical events and programs. For example, in March 2012, I participated in Seattle Theatre Group's training and performance program, More Music @ The Moore. In November 2012, I performed in Sylvia Kunin's final production of the Emmy Award-winning television and live performance series, "Musical Encounter." I was a finalist in Classical KING FM 98.1's 2013 Young Artist Awards competition and have performed on NW Focus Live. And, I was recently named a 2014 YoungArts Winner in Voice by the National YoungArts Foundation. I’ll be participating in the YoungArts LA Regional Program in March 2014. My professional facebook page includes updates on my performances and other activities.

I am very excited to be singing in the CulturalFest 2014 Performance Showcase because it provides an important venue for cultural awareness and expression. The University of Washington campus is home to a diverse community of cultures from around the world. I see CulturalFest as an opportunity to share a little of the art, dance, history, music, poetry, etc. that our community has to offer. Through my performance, I hope to give audience members a sample of the deep, poetic, and beautiful history of Iranian culture. I also hope to help intrigue and encourage people to learn more about their own and others’ cultural heritages. Our community is a patchwork quilt made of many beautiful squares. CulturalFest gives everyone a chance for their square to be noticed and appreciated.