Experience the Magic: Conductor Rahbari Revives ‘Persia, Concerto for Two Tars’ in Saint Petersburg!

Renowned Iranian composer and conductor Ali (Alexander) Rahbari is set to perform “Persia, Concerto for Two Tars” for the second time at the prestigious Mariinsky Opera and Concert Hall in Saint Petersburg, Russia, this June. This performance promises to be a remarkable blend of traditional Persian music and contemporary orchestral arrangements.

The upcoming concert is scheduled for June 19, where Rahbari will conduct the Mariinsky Orchestra alongside talented Iranian tar soloists Aidin Olyanassab and Mahsa Kharatian. The program will feature symphonic poem No. 8 from Rahbari’s acclaimed album My Mother Persia, as reported by IRNA. The first staging of “Persia, Concerto for Two Tars” took place on March 21 and received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Rahbari’s My Mother Persia is an exquisite cycle of symphonic poems that deeply integrates the rich melodies, rhythms, and improvisations characteristic of Persian traditional music. His expertise as both composer and conductor allows him to create a captivating musical experience.

Having made his debut at the Mariinsky Theater in July 2022, Rahbari has since become a regular performer on this esteemed stage, showcasing his unique artistic vision and profound connection to Persian music.

Meet the Talented Musicians

Both soloists contributing to this performance have impressive backgrounds in music:

• Aidin Olyanassab, age 49, began his musical journey at the tender age of 9 with the tar. He honed his skills under the guidance of renowned mentors such as Jamal Samavati and Hossein Alizadeh, mastering the traditional repertoire. Olyanassab’s musical education includes studying classical piano at the Tehran Conservatory of Music and furthering his studies at the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan.
• Upon returning to Iran, Olyanassab contributed significantly to music education at the Art University of Tehran and the University of Guilan, teaching specialized courses in tar, piano, orchestration, and ensemble performance. His discography includes notable albums such as Dar Gozar… (1999) and Rad-e Pa (2018).
• Mahsa Kharatian, age 24, is a gifted tar player who seamlessly blends the rich heritage of Persian classical music with contemporary influences. A graduate of the Tehran Conservatory of Music, she is currently pursuing further studies at the Iran University of Art. Under the mentorship of Olyanassab and inspired by Rahbari, Kharatian has developed a unique and expressive style.

About Ali Rahbari

At 76, Rahbari’s musical journey began at the age of five when he learned to play the violin. He graduated from the Vienna Academy of Music and Performing Arts in 1971, specializing in composition and conducting. His accolades include:

• Gold medal in conducting at the Besançon International Competition (1977)
• Silver medal in the Geneva International Competition (1978)
• Conducting over 120 orchestras worldwide, including notable ensembles like the Orchestre National de France and the Prague Symphony Orchestra.

Rahbari has held prestigious positions such as principal guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, where he received the Dvořák Medal for his outstanding collaboration. Additionally, he was the principal conductor of several orchestras, including the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and the Malaga Symphony Orchestra in Spain.

In 1997, Rahbari founded the Persian International Philharmonic Orchestra, uniting Iranian musicians from various countries. This ensemble has recorded significant works, including Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” and Khachaturian’s “Violin Concerto.” He has also released over 250 compact discs, with his operatic recordings gaining widespread acclaim.

As Rahbari prepares for his next performance at the Mariinsky Opera and Concert Hall, audiences can anticipate a mesmerizing evening filled with the sounds of Persian tradition expertly woven into contemporary orchestral music. This concert not only highlights Rahbari’s dedication to preserving Persian musical heritage but also showcases the incredible talents of Olyanassab and Kharatian, promising a truly unforgettable experience.