TEHRAN – Renowned Iranian vocalist Homayoun Shajarian will hold a free outdoor concert on Friday at Azadi Square in Tehran.

He announced the news at a press conference on Monday, “Today’s press conference is held following the issuance of the permit for the street concert. I’m glad that this request, which we had previously raised, has now been approved to be carried out,” he said.

“The concert will be held on Friday, at 10 p.m. and the pieces I will perform are mostly from my recent concert. My choice is to perform pieces that people love and have memories with,” he explained.

Siavash Orchestra, with 30 musicians playing both Iranian and classical instruments, will accompany Shajarian in the concert, Mehr reported.

Regarding whether the concert would continue beyond one night, the singer said: “This concert will be for one night only, but I know that it is planned to continue with other artists”.

“We do not have an exact estimate of how many people will attend, but we hope there will be good arrangements so that it becomes a memorable experience,” he added.

Explaining why the concert was not held at Azadi Stadium, the singer said: “The preparations were not made possible, but I think my concert in Azadi Square is the first step. I hope this concert will mark the beginning of a movement that continues with other artists as well as myself.”

Shajarian stressed that a way must be opened for Tehran to hear the sound of music. “The sound of music must replace the noise of horns and traffic; the city must have a cultural and lively atmosphere. This concert is completely independent and dedicated to the people,” he stressed.

Homayoun Shajarian, 50, learned singing from his father, the legendary vocalist of Persian traditional music Mohammad Reza Shajarian, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 80.

Speaking about his father, Homayoun said that at times he feels the presence of Mohammad Reza Shajarian within himself. “Every step I take in my work, I think of him, and I am very glad that people appreciate him so much. If he were alive, he would be prouder of these people than ever,” the singer stated.

Azadi Square, a symbol of Iran’s history and identity, has long served as a stage for political rallies and cultural gatherings. Its vast expanse makes it an ideal venue for a large-scale celebration of Persian music.

At a young age, Homayoun began studying the tombak, a Persian hand drum, kamancheh (spike fiddle), and the Persian traditional vocal Avaz. He started his musical career in the 1990s. Since 2003, he has released more than 20 albums. 

During the past two decades, he has held several concerts in Iran and other countries such as Canada, Turkey, the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland.

Iran’s Ministry of Culture has awarded him the First Order of Art Certificate in “Vocal Performance,” a distinction equivalent to a doctoral degree in the field.

SS/