The ministry of culture and Islamic guidance will defend all legitimate music programs, while conforming to religious codes and state laws, said Ali Jannati, culture minister.
He made the remarks on Friday (Feb. 20) at the closing ceremony of the 30th International Fajr Music Festival, held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall, IRNA reported.
Jannati noted that “certain political groups among the government opposition are trying to manipulate the true religious sentiments of the people to downgrade the art of music and tarnish the face of officials who attempt to boost musical programs by taking positive measures.” However, his ministry, while observing all religious etiquettes and regulations of the Islamic system will encourage the spread of musical art, he stressed.
“We have always taken into consideration the concerns and views of leading religious figures and made efforts to work within the purview of our religious beliefs and thoughts,” the minister said adding that the culture ministry has the confidence in its knowledge about religious and state laws, “far better than the upstart individuals and groups.”
All the albums released and concerts performed have received permission by his ministry after abiding by the regulations and the ministry “will not give in to the pressures of vigilantes,” who are only spreading groundless rumors based on incorrect information, and in doing so, they negatively stir people’s emotions.
Contrary to Interests
Jannati said such actions lead nowhere but mar the political and cultural atmosphere in the country, which is contrary to national interests in the present situation. “The nation has to cope with external forces on various issues and needs peace within the community,” he observed.
Elaborating on President Hassan Rouhani’s promise last year to revive the symphony and national orchestras, Jannati said, “we have done our best in this regard and I promise that the symphony orchestra will perform by the end of year (March 20) and the first performance by the national orchestra will take place in 4 months.
Referring to the important status of the Fajr Music Festival in safeguarding the vitality and dynamism of Iranian music, he urged all sections to join efforts to protect this musical wave.”
Festival Secretary Hassan Riahi, in a message, addressing the performers at the event said, “Artists’ mission is to explore the identity of art and find its hidden aspects and secrets.”
He announced the establishment of the Association of Young Musicians and hoped that they can help conduct research and produce experimental works in music.
Four veteran artists kamancheh player Ardeshir Kamkar, photographer Fakhreddin Fakhreddini, songwriter Mohammad-Ali Bahmani, and violinist Marjan Ghanbari-Mehr were honored at the event and received awards for their contribution.
The closing ceremony concluded by awarding the best in each section including: non-Iranian classical music composer, Iranian music composer, Iranian classical ensemble, choir, and thesis.
Other senior officials were present at the function including art deputy at the ministry Ali Moradkhani, director of music office Pirooz Arjmand, and former culture minister and present Tehran City Council member Ahmad Masjed-Jamei.
