Spectacular Finale: 40th Fajr International Music Festival Shines at Vahdat Hall

The 40th Fajr International Music Festival concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony held on Monday at Vahdat Hall in Tehran. This year’s festival celebrated the extraordinary talent of musicians and singers, showcasing a total of 106 music groups and 1,771 artists across 10 venues in the bustling city of Tehran.

The ceremony kicked off with an enchanting performance of the piece “Melody of Peace and Friendship” by the Avay-e Mehr music group, setting a positive tone for the event.

Hosted by the talented actor and singer Nima Reisi, the closing event featured a stirring rendition of “Ey Iran,” a song penned by the late Nader Ebrahimi and famously performed by the late folk and pop icon Mohammad Nouri. This heartfelt performance resonated deeply with the audience.

Following this, the dotar players from the Khorasan region took to the stage, showcasing their unique musical heritage. The audience was then treated to a video report that captured various captivating moments from the festival.

During the video presentation, Reza Mahdavi, the festival’s secretary, emphasized the significance of music as a critical cultural asset. He stated, “Music is one of our most valuable cultural assets, and we must believe in and strive to strengthen these assets.” He further remarked, “In terms of both hardware and software, we have reached a position where we can create a special competitive edge in the region and establish an award like Barbad in the name of the great figures of Iranian music.”

The event also featured remarks from Nadereh Rezaei, Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance for Arts Affairs. She addressed the festival’s mission, stating, “In the 40th edition of the festival, we aimed to restore trust. Despite the current challenges, we sought to strengthen national unity by bringing together experienced artists and the new generation, as well as including international groups.” Her comments highlighted the festival’s role in rebuilding confidence and enhancing social capital on both national and international fronts.

Rezaei proudly noted several achievements of this year’s festival, including:

• Increased representation of women’s music groups: This year’s festival saw a significant rise in performances by female musicians compared to previous editions.
• Collaborative performances: There were numerous collaborative acts between Iranian groups and international musicians, showcasing a spirit of unity and cultural exchange.
• Global participation: Many skilled musicians from around the world participated, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Looking ahead, she expressed optimism for future festivals, stating that the 41st edition would feature even higher quality performances and a promising new generation of artists.

As the ceremony progressed, Mohsen Sharifian and his band captivated the audience with traditional music from Bushehr, a southern region of Iran. His daughter, Liana, who played the electric neyanban (a type of Persian bagpipe), expressed her aspirations, saying, “I hope that, as a woman from this land, I will be able to perform not just in Tehran but throughout the country.”

The evening also included a segment dedicated to honoring distinguished musicians. The festival recognized the contributions of veteran artists such as Shir-Mohammad Espandar, Azar Hashemi, the talented vocalist Mohammad Golriz, and sound engineer Ghasem Abedin.

In the final part of the program, winners of various categories from the festival’s competitive section were celebrated and awarded for their outstanding performances.

The 40th Fajr International Music Festival not only showcased the richness of Iranian music but also highlighted the collaborative spirit among artists. With a focus on inclusivity and cultural exchange, the festival continues to be a beacon of hope and creativity for musicians and audiences alike.