Curtains down on 16th National Festival of Youth Music
Winners announced
The 16th National Festival of Youth Music concluded with an online ceremony on Sunday evening, where the distinguished winners were announced and commended. The festival, which showcases the talent and dedication of young musicians, received a total of 1,792 applicants this year, including 652 females and 1,140 males.
In his message to the festival, Mohammad-Mehdi Esmaeili, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, emphasized the significance of music in Iran’s cultural heritage.
He praised the commitment of pioneering artists and the enthusiasm of young people in preserving and advancing this ancient art form, IRNA reported.
“Our young artists, as the builders of our dear country’s future, possess remarkable qualities such as love, enthusiasm, freshness, and purity,” Esmaeili remarked.
He highlighted the crucial role of music masters and the legacy bearers in guiding and nurturing the talents of these young musicians, ensuring the future progress of Iranian music.
Hamidreza Ardalan, a festival official, provided detailed statistics about the different sections of the festival. This year, the festival included three sections: regional music, classical music, and dastgahi music. In the regional music section, 403 participants from 21 regions showcased their talents in 100 instrumental and vocal branches, while the dastgahi music section saw the participation of 1,112 applicants in various categories, including vocal and instrumental performances, composition, and mastery of the entire musical system. The classical music section attracted 277 applicants, demonstrating their skills across 12 branches.
A total of 313 participants were selected as winners, with 192 winners in the regional music section, 93 in the dastgahi music section, and 28 in the classical music section. Among the winners, 76 were female and 237 were male, reflecting the diversity and talent within the young music community.
During the event, Mahmoud Salari, the Deputy Culture Minister, emphasized the importance of youthfulness and innovation in the performances and content of the National Youth Music Festival.
He highlighted that the festival shapes the future vision and exploration of Iranian music, with the emerging artists becoming influential instructors and custodians of the Iranian music heritage.
Mohammad Allahyari, the Director General of the Music Office, commended the significant number of young participants and enthusiasts in the festival. He noted that the festival not only provides a platform for young individuals but also allows experienced professors to receive valuable feedback on their works, contributing to their growth and development.
Representing the jury panel, Saeed Tehrani Zadeh and Marjan Qanbari-Mehr praised the progress and improvement they witnessed in the performances throughout the years. Tehrani Zadeh emphasized the festival’s role as a producer and initiator, nurturing talented musicians who will shape the future of Iranian music. Ghanbari-Mehr expressed satisfaction and hope in observing changes in age criteria and increased abilities among participants, reflecting the festival’s positive growth.
The National Festival of Youth Music continues to play a pivotal role in promoting and nurturing young talents, shaping the future of Iranian music with its youthful energy, innovation, and artistic excellence.