Avaz Deserves Praise

Lewis Segal’s bilious review of “Dances and Music of the Iranian World” (Calendar, Nov. 20) leads me to wonder if I attended the same Avaz performance. What I experienced at the Wilshire Boulevard Temple presentation was something totally different than that conveyed by the reviewer.

Anthony Shay, the founder-director of Avaz, deserves high praise for his prodigious efforts in presenting and preserving the Iranian regional folk dances, which have been banned in their native land.

Segal’s remark, “Shay gave himself showcases galore,” was downright mean-spirited. For a Westerner to master the subtle nuances of traditional Persian music and dance and gain acceptance and recognition from the country’s native sons and daughters are the highest compliments a performance can receive.

RON WARMOTH, Los Angeles