Within the framework of the visit of the RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra gave an open-air concert today at the historical monument-complex Persepolis. This exceptional event was attended by RA ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Governor-General of Iranian Fars province Hossein-Ali Amiri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Iran Grigor Hakobyan, and other high-ranking officials.

Before the start of the concert, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan and other members of the Armenian delegation toured the territory of Persepolis and learned about the history of the monument-complex. At the site of the relief depicting the gift-bearing process in the Persepolis, the Armenian delegation was presented with the earliest document on friendship and ties between the peoples of Armenia and Iran, dating back more than 2,500 years.

The exclusive concert began with the performance of the national anthems of the two countries.

The participants of the solemn event were welcomed by the ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, who noted in particular: “The history and culture of two ancient civilizations have come together today in the backdrop of Persepolis. This jubilee concert, marking the 100th anniversary of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia, symbolizes the friendship, mutual respect, and cultural dialogue between our countries.”

The ESCS Minister emphasized that the recent official visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, to Armenia this year was a testament to the continuous development of high-level political dialogue and mutual respect between the two countries, marking an important milestone on the path to strengthening friendly relations between Armenia and Iran and forming new prospects for bilateral cooperation.

“Today’s jubilee concert, featuring high-art music, transcends political boundaries: it’s a word about universal values, peace, cooperation, and the harmonious coexistence of cultures. It is especially symbolic that today’s concert is taking place in Persepolis Square, a site that is memorable for all of us, since it was here, in one of the most important documents of the ancient world, the Behistun Inscription, that the first written historical mention of our people was recorded.

Ever since the time of the famous Greek historian Xenophon, Persepolis has been called the “Gate of All Nations”, where delegates from various nations gathered bearing the message of peace and respect, noted Zhanna Andreasyan and added,- this magnificent architectural complex of Shiraz, a true gem of world heritage, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, together with our historical Capital-Fortress of Erebuni, stands as a testament to an ancient civilization.

Cultural ties between Armenia and Iran date back centuries: the cultural dialogue is taking on a new lease of life in Persepolis, which has withstood the test of centuries and embodies the achievements of human thought and imagination. I am proud and full of awe that Armenian music will be performed under these ancient walls, and that the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating its 100th anniversary and having performed on the best stages of the world, is also celebrating its anniversary in our neighbouring and friendly country, the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The ESCS Minister also underlined that years ago, the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Loris Tjeknavorian, had the honour of performing at the “Vahdat” Hall in Tehran: “Today's concert is not only a tribute to the past, but also a message for the future, since art is a golden bridge between peoples, cultures, and generations. May the sounds of today’s memorable concert continue to weave cultural bridges between the friendly peoples of Armenia and Iran.”

In conclusion, Zhanna Andreasyan expressed her gratitude to the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyed Reza Salehi Amir, the leadership of Fars Province, and the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Islamic Republic of Iran for their active support in organizing the concert.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grigor Hakobyan also delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing that the Iranian side provided active support for the organization of the anniversary concert of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra.

“We are standing at the threshold of the immortality of history and the power of culture. The ancient columns of Persepolis, the magnificent Gate of Nations, and the rock-cut monuments amaze with their majesty and living breath. This is a crossroads of myths, civilization, and unimaginable reality, where the past and the present converge. We feel the profound historical and cultural connection between the two worlds, Armenia and Iran, of which this concert is also a bridge. A bridge between two ancient states, two peoples sharing millennia of historical experience,” the Ambassador noted in his speech.

The concert was conducted by Eduard Topchyan, artistic director and principal conductor of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia.

The soloist of the concert was the renowned tenor Liparit Avetisyan, who performed Sayat-Nova’s “My Kamancha” aria from Alexander Harutyunyan's opera “Sayat-Nova”, Konstantin Petrosyan’s “Hayastan” (Armenia) and Robert Amirkhanyan’s “Yeraz im Yerkir Hayreni” (Dream, My Native Land). Ruhollah Khaleghi's patriotic song “Oh Iran” was also performed. The evening’s highlight was the performance of Aram Khachaturian’s magnificent Symphony No. 2.

Note that the concert held in Persepolis was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra. The program was organized in collaboration with the RA ESCS Ministry, the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Iran, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, as well as the Fars Governorate.

The previous visit of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra to the Islamic Republic of Iran was 25 years ago. From February 5-26, 2000, Loris Tjeknavorian’s opera “Rostam and Sohrab” was performed at the “Vahdat” Concert Hall in Tehran, under the direction of the composer.