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Armenian Philharmonic Concert at Persepolis: A Night of Peace and Cultural Unity

From Classical Works to โ€œEy Iranโ€: A Night of Cultural Diplomacy in Persepolis

In mid-September 2025, the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra performed in the ancient site of Persepolis (Parseh). This extraordinary event, known as the Concert at Persepolis, combined classical masterpieces with notable Armenian works, creating an unforgettable evening for both local and international audiences.

The highlight came with the powerful performance of โ€œEy Iranโ€ in collaboration with the Shiraz Choir, a moment that resonated deeply, symbolizing unity and respect between nations. More than a concert, it was a shared message of peace and cultural solidarity and a clear instance of cultural diplomacy between Iran and Armenia.

Music in the Heart of History

Concert at Persepolis: A Cultural Milestone

The experience of hearing an orchestra beneath 2,500-year-old columns amplified the musicโ€™s power. The stage, carefully positioned below the Apadana Palace, ensured preservation while offering a spectacular backdrop. Smart lighting and the moonlit reliefs created an atmosphere where history and music spoke as one.

โ€œPerforming โ€˜Ey Iranโ€™ beside the Apadana columns was a rare expression of how national identity meets global artistry,โ€ remarked attendees after the concert.

Diplomatic Presence and Cultural Exchange

The concert was more than an artistic eventโ€”it was a diplomatic gathering. Representatives from 23 countries attended, including ambassadors from Brazil, Mexico, Kenya, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Denmark, and Serbia.

High-level officials such as Hossein Simaee-Sarraf, Iranโ€™s Minister of Science, and Zhanna Andreasyan, Armeniaโ€™s Minister of Education and Culture, highlighted the significance of expanding cultural ties. Their presence turned the evening into a diplomatic milestone.

Persepolis as a Cultural Stage

Persepolis has increasingly become a setting for cultural events. In July 2024, Alireza Ghorbani held a concert there, opening the door for more international performances. For the Armenian Philharmonicโ€™s centenary, organizers respected protective measures: the stage was built over 50 meters below the Apadana terrace. Lighting and staging were designed to safeguard the heritage while enhancing the audienceโ€™s visual and emotional journey.

The imagery of bows gliding against the backdrop of the Gate of Nations reminded many of ancient rituals and intercultural dialogues.

Armeniaโ€™s Gift to Persepolis

Armeniaโ€™s ambassador, Grigor Hovhannisyan, emphasized continuity between past and present: โ€œIn these carvings, Armenians once stood with dignity among those presenting gifts. Today, our offering is music, history, and creativity.โ€ The orchestraโ€™s centenary celebration became a symbolic gesture of friendship and shared heritage.

Timeline of the Event

  • May 2025: Armeniaโ€™s ambassador visited Shiraz, initiating discussions on cultural cooperation.
  • August 2025: Final coordination between Iranian and Armenian cultural authorities.
  • September 4, 2025: Official announcement of the concert date.
  • Mid-September 2025: Performance at Persepolis.

Audience and Execution

The event was part of Armeniaโ€™s centenary celebrations for its Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1925 by Arshak Adamian and Alexander Spendiaryan.

The Armenian government fully funded the concert. Organizers arranged 1,500 seats, with 400 tickets offered free through IranTicket and 300 reserved for foreign guests. The audience included diplomats, artists, tourism leaders, media, and classical music enthusiasts.

Artistic and Heritage Significance

The Armenian Philharmonic, a cultural institution with nearly 100 years of history, delivered a repertoire featuring global classics, Armenian works, and the joint performance of โ€œEy Iran.โ€ This concert positioned Persepolis as a platform for art, heritage, and diplomacy.

International Impact and Media Attention

The presence of foreign delegations and media amplified the concertโ€™s global resonance. Officials in Fars province highlighted its role in cultural tourism promotion, presenting the site not only as an archaeological treasure but also as a living venue for international dialogue. With careful planning, Persepolis proved it can host world-class events without risking its preservation.

Key Quotes

  • Iranโ€™s Minister of Cultural Heritage: โ€œMusic is the language of nations, and Persepolis turns it into a message of peace.โ€
  • Armeniaโ€™s Ambassador: โ€œPerforming in one of humanityโ€™s greatest heritage sites shows our determination to build cultural bridges.โ€

Conclusion

The Armenian Philharmonicโ€™s concert in Persepolis was far more than an anniversary celebration. It became a historical, cultural, and diplomatic event linking Iran and Armenia. The performance of โ€œEy Iranโ€ in this ancient site created an enduring memory and reaffirmed Persepolis as a stage not only of the past but also of the present and future.

The echoes of Armenian strings in Persepolis carried a timeless messageโ€”peace, friendship, and shared human heritage.

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SURFIRAN Editorial Team

SURFIRAN is an Iranian tour operator and travel agency offering tour packages to those interested in Iran. It provides the tourists with services needed to travel to Iran, offers tours across the country, and assists the tourists in obtaining Iranian visas.

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