We performed again in Chicago recently and heard what we thought was an echo. It turned out there was another woman from Mongolia who was singing a long song right back to Zola at that moment. It electrified the hall.

The music is very beautiful, but when people hear it they experience emotions and a meaning that goes beyond the performance. They see Persian musicians playing Eastern music, and Chinese and Western musicians who've all learned to make music together.

We see the Silk Road as a symbol of cultural discovery and exchange, and the project uses artistic expression to nurture creativity similar to what was found on the road in ancient times. We're trying to serve as a common resource for musicians drawing on both ancient and current civilizations along the road.

Who would have thought that vaunted Chicago defense would have given up 29?

Why not? Why can't we win? The thought of bring that to Chicago, to being the ones ... man.

I thought Chicago had more energy, that's for sure.