Ali Rahbari’s ‘Persian Concerto’ set for encore in St. Petersburg
Iranian composer and conductor Ali Rahbari will take the podium once again in Russia this June, as his Persian Concerto returns to the Mariinsky Opera House in St. Petersburg.
The 36-minute composition, which blends Persian classical motifs with Western symphonic structure, was first performed at the historic venue on March 21. The debut received what organizers called an “outstanding” reception, prompting a second performance now scheduled for June 19, IRNA reported.
The work features two Iranian tar soloists, Aydin Olianasab and Mahsa Kharratian, accompanied by the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra. The piece is divided into three movements — Kereshmeh, Raqs-e-Looti, and Sarmast — and draws on traditional Persian modes and rhythms. The final section takes inspiration from Camel Bell, a well-known piece by the late master Abolhasan Saba.
Rahbari, who has led major orchestras across Europe and Asia, is a permanent conductor at the Mariinsky Opera. The upcoming concert will mark his 22nd performance in that role. Tickets, as with many of his previous appearances, have nearly sold out weeks in advance.
In a statement, the composer described the concerto as a “dialogue between East and West,” highlighting the role of the tar — a traditional Persian string instrument — in bridging cultural soundscapes.
The Mariinsky Theatre, founded in 1783, is one of Russia’s most institutions. In St. Petersburg’s crowded classical music scene, where dozens of concerts take place nightly, Rahbari’s programs continue to stand out.