Persepolis Welcomes Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra for a Spectacular Cultural Concert
On Saturday, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Persepolis in Fars province hosted a remarkable international event, featuring a live performance by the renowned Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert, which celebrated the orchestra’s centenary, highlighted the iconic Iranian piece “O Iran” (“Ey Iran”) by the esteemed composer Ruhollah Khaleghi, alongside several works by notable Armenian composers, according to Mehr news agency.
This artistic initiative was the result of a collaborative effort involving various organizations, including:
- The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts
- The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s Artistic Affairs Department
- Fars Province Governor’s Office
- The General Directorate of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Fars
- The Provincial Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts
The concert aimed to strengthen cultural ties among nations, emphasizing the role of music as a universal language that fosters dialogue and enhances mutual understanding.
Attendees included prominent figures such as:
- Minister of Science, Research, and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf
- Fars Governor Hossein Ali Amiri
- Nadereh Rezai, Deputy for Artistic Affairs at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance
- Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan
- Grigor Hakobyan, Armenian ambassador to Iran
The event commenced with the orchestra performing the national anthems of Iran and Armenia. Fars Governor Amiri welcomed the international guests and diplomatic delegations, stating that they gathered beneath the grandeur of Persepolis to enjoy the harmonious sounds of music and the shared cultural language.
He emphasized that the performance by the Armenian Philharmonic symbolizes a message of peace and solidarity, showcasing music’s role in uniting hearts. Amiri praised the longstanding companionship between Iran and Armenia, describing the concert as a testament to friendship and cultural cooperation.
Furthermore, he asserted, “Our diplomacy is rooted in human values that bind nations together. Iranians have always believed that preserving cultural ties strengthens civilizations. This concert is a celebration of peace and friendship.” He concluded by affirming that the presence of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra at Persepolis stands as a proud example of international cultural collaboration.
Grigor Hakobyan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform at the UNESCO World Heritage site, stating, “It is a great honor to perform here, alongside this symbol of human civilization, and to celebrate the anniversary of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra’s founding.”
Hakobyan noted that the concert signifies the deepening bond between Iran and Armenia and the enduring vitality of music as a universal language, promising continued cultural cooperation between the two nations.
In a reflective segment, Armenian Minister Andreasyan described the event as a symbol of mutual respect and friendship. She remarked that the recent presidential visit to Armenia marked a significant milestone for bilateral cooperation and that this concert transcends politics, serving as a declaration of peace and cultural coexistence.
Andreasyan praised Persepolis as a luminous monument of ancient civilizations, emphasizing that the event reinforces the enduring cultural connections between the two nations. She expressed pride in hearing the immortal Armenian musical voice resonating within this majestic historical site and acknowledged the previous concert conducted by Iranian-Armenian musician Loris Tjeknavorian at Vahdat Hall, viewing today’s performance as a continuation of that artistic journey. She also expressed gratitude to regional authorities and hopes for ongoing cultural exchanges.
In his closing remarks, Minister Simaei-Sarraf emphasized Iran’s long history of embracing diversity and fostering unity through cultural richness. He highlighted that Iran’s civilization, celebrated worldwide for its art and culture, has been further enriched through the advent of Islam. Simaei-Sarraf noted that being Iranian entails love for knowledge, spirituality, and moderation—values that must persist.
He pointed to Persepolis as a symbol of this enduring spirit, asserting that history and culture, rather than military might, define a nation’s legacy. He reaffirmed that the deep-rooted historical ties between Iran and Armenia reflect mutual respect, and that Persepolis exemplifies how civilizations are preserved through culture and history. Simaei-Sarraf called for increased awareness of these principles in contemporary times.
Following his remarks, the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra performed a selection of compositions by prominent Armenian composers, culminating with the patriotic anthem “Ey Iran” by Ruhollah Khaleghi. The performance, particularly its rendition of “Ey Iran” within the historic ambiance of Persepolis, created a striking and memorable atmosphere, symbolizing the enduring power of music and cultural dialogue.
