Iranian music echoes global influence at Fajr Int’l Music Festival: Minister
Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, praised Iranian music for its longstanding role in showcasing the beauty and grandeur of Persian arts and culture.
In a message to the 40th Fajr International Music Festival, Salehi said that wherever the melodies of Iranian instruments and the voices of Iranian vocalists resonate, accompanied by the words of the nation’s literary giants, they signify the global influence of Iranian thought and artistry, IRNA reported.
Salehi emphasized that art is deeply connected to human nature, guiding the soul towards spiritual elevation and enlightenment.
He added, “Music is among the arts that can refine the human spirit.” He highlighted that prominent thinkers and philosophers throughout history have recognized the significance of music, viewing it as a guiding light for discovering the depths of the human soul.
The minister described Iranian music as a clear symbol of the nation’s cultural and artistic identity, with its unique melodies captivating audiences worldwide.
He referred to music as the “art of dialogue,” an unbounded conversation that transcends borders and speaks directly to people’s hearts.
“The language of melody and rhythm, when harmonized, enchants listeners from the East to the West,” Salehi noted, emphasizing music’s role as a “direct dialogue with the world.”
Salehi hailed Iranian musicians as cultural ambassadors, stating, “Iranian music artists are the finest carriers of our cultural heritage to the surrounding world.”
He expressed his delight that the Fajr International Music Festival, now in its 40th edition, continues to proudly present this valuable heritage through the innovative works of young artists and the mastery of seasoned veterans.
According to Salehi, contemporary Iranian music, with its blend of tradition and innovation, carries the significant responsibility of preserving the country’s rich musical legacy while ensuring its continuity for future generations.
He highlighted the Fajr International Music Festival as a crucial platform for this cultural continuity, showcasing the vast diversity of Iranian music, from traditional classical forms to the vibrant sounds of ethnic groups, as well as pop and classical genres.
“All these musical forms contribute to fostering unity and harmony within Iranian society,” the minister said.
Salehi also stressed the unifying power of music, particularly the melodies rooted in Iran’s ethnic traditions. “When we listen to the tunes of various ethnic groups, it feels as if the voices of all Iranians are united as one,” he remarked, calling this a “brilliant testament to the role and mission of arts in today’s world.”
He concluded by affirming that Iranian music has always aimed to portray the beauty and majesty of Persian culture.
“Wherever the sound of an Iranian instrument or the voice of an Iranian singer echoes with the words of our literary giants, it signifies the flow of Iranian thought and art across the globe,” Salehi added.
The 40th Fajr International Music Festival runs from February 11 to 17. The event features both competitive segments, including the prestigious Barbad Award, and non-competitive programs focused on promoting national unity.