.jpg "The Iranian expert in musical instruments Mohammadreza Darvish (R) and tar virtuoso Hossein Alizadeh attend a ceremony held by Iran’s House of Music to unveil the yasnai in Tehran on June 30, 2012. (Photo by Mehr)")
TEHRAN -- A new wind instrument, named the yasnai, will be introduced during concerts that are being organized by tar virtuoso Kayvan Saket.
Mohammad Beigi, the creator of the instrument, will play it during the concerts, which will be held at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall from May 8 to 10, Saket said at a press conference on Monday.
Beigi is an expert constructor of the ney, an Iranian wind instrument which is mostly used in traditional performances.
The yasnai was previously unveiled during a ceremony at Iran’s House of Music on June 30, 2012.
The instrument resembles the balaban, an instrument which is common in Azeri music.
However, new keys have been added to increase the capability of the instrument, Saket stated.
The name of the instrument is of Avestan origin. Yasna means happiness and prayer in the ancient Iranian language Avestan.
The instrument can be played solo as well as in orchestral performances and can be adapted to different musical ranges like soprano, alto, and bass.
Vocalist Salar Aqili will accompany Saket and Beigi during the concerts.
SB/YAW/HG
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