In Paris, Iranian artists unite their voices to defend Iranian culture threatened by war

In Paris, musicians and singers, mostly Iranian or Franco-Iranians, gathered for an evening to promote Iranian culture, which has been overshadowed by war and oppressed by the regime of the mullahs. The concert in support of the Iranian people was held at the Consulat Voltaire, a venue that regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.

Seated at the center of the Consulat Voltaire stage, surrounded by musicians, Aida Nosrat sings and recalls the sound of bombs from her childhood during the Iran-Iraq war. Today, this nightmare reoccurs for Iranian children: “There is intense pain, immense sorrow in my heart. When I sing, I have to fight back the tears. There is also great anger within me.”

Having been in France for ten years, she receives very little news from her relatives in Iran, where internet access is severely restricted by the regime. She expresses, “I am lucky: one of my friends has internet access, even though it is very risky for her. Thanks to her phone, I was able to talk to my parents. I hope they will remain safe. Tehran is a huge city, larger than London. My greatest hope is that this war will stop, no matter the circumstances.”

On stage, Pouya Khoshravesh plays his kamancheh, a kind of vertical violin. He had to flee Iran in 2013 to play freely, facing constant problems with authorities who tried to suppress music. He shares, “I feel both worry and joy, hoping that very soon, we will see a free Iran.”

The dance then continues with Sufi dancer Sahar Dehghan, her face veiled by her hair. She twirls, and her hands are set free.

The performers advocate for the preservation of Iranian music and dances, aiming to showcase their culture and richness despite the difficulties they face. They hope that the Iranian people will not be associated with negativity as they are described as magnificent, strong, and brave individuals.

Amid disagreements within the Iranian diaspora, music serves as a form of communion, providing comfort and unity. The concert, organized by dramaturge Sonia Hossein-Pour, was a moment of suspended peace, where the public could join in singing popular Iranian songs and find solace in music.

By Laurie-Anne Toulemont

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