Tehran Symphony Orchestra performs in Soleimani tribute concert
The Tehran Symphony Orchestra performed the symphonic work ‘Iran-Mard’ at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Tuesday, commemorating the sixth anniversary of the martyrdom of General Qassem Soleimani, in an event attended by Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Abbas Salehi and senior cultural officials.
Conducted by Nasir Heidarian, the concert featured original compositions by Arman Mehraban and vocals by Amirhossein Samiei. It was organized with the participation of the Foundation for the Preservation and Publication of Martyr Soleimani’s Works and the Ministry of Culture, framing the program as a state-backed cultural tribute rooted in national identity and collective memory, IRNA reported.
The performance coincided with anniversary commemorations of Soleimani, the former commander of Iran’s Quds Force, who was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. Iranian officials have since elevated his legacy through a sustained calendar of cultural, artistic, and media events.
Addressing the audience briefly, Salehi cast Soleimani as a contemporary embodiment of “Iran-mardi,” a Persian ideal of moral courage and public duty stretching from classical literature to modern history.
He linked the concept to figures in Ferdowsi’s ‘Shahnameh,’ arguing that Iranian cultural production has long served as a vehicle for reinforcing social cohesion during periods of external pressure.
“The durability and dignity of Iran across centuries has relied not only on institutions, but on exemplary individuals,” Salehi said, calling Soleimani “one of the peaks” of that tradition. His remarks avoided detailed political commentary, focusing instead on symbolism, ethics, and continuity in Iranian cultural narratives.
Zeinab Soleimani, the general’s daughter, also addressed the ceremony, thanking artists and institutions for what she described as sustained efforts to preserve her father’s legacy through cultural expression.
She highlighted music and the arts as effective tools for transmitting historical memory to younger generations.