In Israel, Rita Yahan-Farouz is so well-known she goes by one name: Rita. The Iranian-born pop singer and actress is regarded as one of the most famous female singers in Israel, and as a cultural ambassador helping to connect Israelis and Iranians. She became an underground sensation in Iran after the release of various pop recordings performed in her native Persian language; at Strathmore she performs the inspiring, hopeful music that’s made her an icon in the Middle East, including selections from her new 2012 release, My Joys.