Fajr festival unites Armenia, Iran through shared musical heritage
The 40th International Fajr Music Festival has provided a platform for deepening cultural ties between Armenia and Iran, with a memorable performance by Armenian musicians Levon Tevanyan and Aram Asatryan.
Armenia’s Ambassador to Iran, Grigor Hakobyan, who attended the concert alongside Ahmad Sadri, the head of the Music Office at the Iranian Ministry of Culture, praised the event as a vital step toward enhancing bilateral cultural and artistic relations.
Speaking to IRNA, Hakobyan stressed that there are no limitations on developing cultural and artistic collaborations between the two nations. “Such joint events allow both countries to appreciate each other’s arts and culture, and I believe they bring us closer,” he added.
He noted that the performance, which blended Iranian and Armenian music, offered a beautiful opportunity for Armenian musicians to showcase national and folk music alongside the rich musical traditions of Iran. “It was a wonderful fusion,” Hakobyan said, “and the similarities between Iranian and Armenian melodies were striking.”
The ambassador expressed hope that similar programs will be held more frequently in the future, as there are no barriers to further artistic cooperation.
“We’re already working on laying the groundwork for more cultural initiatives, and soon you will see these ideas come to life,” Hakobyan added.
Meanwhile, Sadri discussed the importance of musical dialogue between the two nations, citing the shared presence of the duduk, a traditional woodwind instrument, as an example of the common musical ground between Iran and Armenia. “The presence of duduk in both countries makes for an interesting exchange of musical dialogue, especially with Iran’s western regions, where such instruments are also popular,” Sadri explained.
Sadri, who is also working closely with Hakobyan, revealed plans to organize future musical festivals and joint performances. “Our initial talks have been promising, and we hope to collaborate on festivals that bring together musicians from both cultures,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”
During the concert, Tevanyan and Asatryan showcased works by famed Armenian composer Komitas, along with traditional Armenian folk pieces and medieval Armenian music. Tevanyan expressed his admiration for the Fajr Festival, noting the significance of being invited to perform at such a well-regarded event.