Persian music heir Shajarian to take classical vocals to Tehran streets
Renowned Persian classical vocalist Homayoun Shajarian announced he will perform a free street concert at Tehran's Azadi Square on September 5, marking the first time in years he has secured permits for an outdoor public performance in Iran's capital.
The son of legendary Persian master Mohammad Reza Shajarian said the evening concert represents the fulfillment of a "years-long dream" to bring traditional music directly to the streets, ISNA reported.
Officials from multiple government agencies have signed off on the unprecedented event, which could pave the way for similar performances by other Iranian artists.
Speaking at a news conference, Shajarian said the show will kick off at 10 p.m. to minimize disruption to city traffic. The performance will feature the 30-member Siavash Orchestra and run without restrictions or prohibitions, he emphasized.
"We've been chasing this opportunity for eight years," Shajarian told reporters. The singer acknowledged that staging the concert poses greater challenges than mounting "10 regular concerts" due to logistics and sound equipment needs for the open-air venue.
The multi-billion rial production will include state-of-the-art audio systems to reach audiences potentially standing blocks away from the main stage.
Shajarian said he will waive his performance fee, though orchestra members will receive standard compensation.
The concert will open with ‘Diar-e Asheghan’ (The Homeland of My Loves) and close with ‘Morgh-e Sahar’ (Bird of Dawn), featuring pieces from Shajarian's recent repertoire that audiences know by heart.
Sahar Forouzan, Shajarian's program manager, said they had initially explored staging the concert at Azadi Sports Complex or the ancient ruins of Persepolis.
The singer voiced hopes that Tehran will increasingly hear "music instead of car horns" as cultural programming expands throughout the city. He stressed the concert operates independently of any political organization.
The performer also revealed that over 300 unreleased works by his late father remain in archives, with plans to release them in collections of ten. Mohammad Reza Shajarian, who died in 2020, is widely considered the most influential Persian classical vocalist of the modern era.
Standing room only tickets remain free, with no reservations required. Organizers plan online streaming for those unable to attend in person.
"If my father were alive today, he would take tremendous pride in the people of his country," Shajarian said, reflecting on his father's enduring legacy among Iranian music lovers.