TEHRAN -- Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati has strongly criticized certain groups for their opposition to holding concerts and musical events, and called them “the obstinate” with little knowledge of religious rules and music.
In an address to the audience at the closing ceremony of the 30th Fajr International Music Festival at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Friday evening, he said that his office will never give up on the obstinacy of the groups.
“It is our duty to observe rules and law in the field of music, but we shall never give up on the obstinate. Because most of these people are in the novice element and we stand head and shoulders above them in knowledge of many fields such as religion, art and music,” Jannati stated.
“Unfortunately, some political groups, who have problems with the government of President Hassan Rouhani, misuse people’s religious beliefs and provoke religious people by distorting facts and spreading false news,” he added.
He made the remarks in response to the people’s decision to prevent some concerts during the 30th Fajr International Music Festival, which was held in Tehran and several other Iranian cities from February 13 to 20.
In early February, the groups also provoked a controversy about the release of the album “Love You, O Ancient Land” allegedly containing solo performances by a female singer, something that is forbidden in Iran.
However, all tracks of the album were performed by a choir of a female singer, Noshin Tafi and a male singer, Mohsen Keramati.
Several Iranian music groups were honored at the end of the ceremony.
Avaye Mahan won the award for best vocal band and the Pasargad Symphony Orchestra received the award for best ensemble in Western classical music.
The award for best ensemble in Iranian classical music went to Hamnazane Iran.
MMS/YAW
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