TEHRAN – Ali Torabi, the director of the 34th Fajr International Music Festival, has said that the festival aims to support and promote Iranian national music.

He made the remarks in a press conference held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Monday.

“It is our duty to support Iranian national music, otherwise, we know that in other parts of the world classical music is being supported and promoted much better,” Torabi added.

Torabi, who is also the director of the Music Office of Iran’s Ministry Culture and Islamic Guidance, also noted that the “Barbad Award” dedicated to the best album of the year, has been removed from the festival awards this year.

“There are a number of awards in the private sectors like the awards given at Iran’s House of Music Celebration and we as public sectors prefer not to interfere with the private sectors,” Torabi added.

The “Barbad Award” was established in 2016 at the 31st edition of the festival to honor the best album of the year.

Composer Shahin Farhat, the secretary of the festival this year, also attending the conference, called it an honor for him to collaborate with the organizers this year.

“I am in love with music and my dream is to introduce and perform works by Iranian composers,” he added.

He said that he likes to see works by young Iranian musicians, besides works by the veterans.

Farhat also insisted on the research works section of the festival, saying “it helps elevate our culture”.

The 34th edition of the festival will be held in Tehran’s different halls running from February 13 to 19, 2019.

Photo: Ali Torabi, the director of the 34th Fajr International Music Festival (2nd R), attends the press conference held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall, August 13, 2018. Shahin Farhat, the secretary of the festival (2nd L), and Shahram Saremi, executive director of the festival (1st R), are also seen in the photo. (Honaronline/Mahdieh Babai)

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