The National Orchestra of Iran Brings “Grandma’s House” to Vahdat Hall/ Tribute to Marzieh Boroumand
The opening night of the National Orchestra of Iran’s concert, titled “Smiles on Faces,” was held at Vahdat Hall, performing some of the most nostalgic pieces of Iranian children’s music.
Roudaki Fountain: the opening night of the National Orchestra of Iran’s concert, titled “Smiles on Faces,” was held at Vahdat Hall on Tuesday evening, December 17, 2024, conducted by Homayoun Rahimian, with narration by Saber Abar, dedicated to children and teenagers.
The orchestra performed some of the most nostalgic pieces of Iranian children’s music, creating a special atmosphere in the hall filled with enthusiastic young attendees.
In collaboration with the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, the concert also featured a side exhibition showcasing books, activities, and workshops such as painting and origami led by the institute’s trainers, which children and teenagers participated in before the performance.
The concert began with the pieces “Kornak Bala” and “Nowruz is Coming” from the Rainbow collection, composed by Samin Baghcheban and accompanied by an adult choir.
Following these performances, actor and theater artist Saber Abar took the stage, narrating stories alongside the orchestra. This section included pieces such as “Our Garden Has a Fence,” “Snowball Fight Day,” “The Cat That’s a Mom,” “Dear Doll,” “Deer’s Place,” and “My Lovely Train”—all composed by Baghcheban.
The National Orchestra of Iran joined by Saber Abar’s narration about Nane Sarma, Yalda Night, and gatherings at Grandma’s house, performed “Grandma’s House,” (Khooneye Madarbozorge) composed by Bahram Dehghaniar, accompanied by a children’s and youth choir, which received much applause from the audience.
Other pieces included “Tales of Tabe-Ta” by Dehghaniar, “Lullaby” with poetry by Mostafa Rahmandoust, composed by Mahmoud Montazem Sedighi and arranged for the orchestra by Homayoun Rahimian.
The concert concluded with “Fantasy for My Daughter,” “Waltz of the Buds,” and “Under the Blue Dome,” composed by Dehghaniar and narrated by Saber Abar.
At the end of the concert, Saber Abar, on behalf of the orchestra, expressed his gratitude to the audience.
Nadereh Rezai, Deputy Minister of Arts; Mohammad Allahyari Foomani, CEO of the Roudaki Foundation; and Niknam Hosseinpour, advisor to the Minister and Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, took the stage to honor Marzieh Boroumand, the esteemed writer and director behind lasting works like “City of Mice” and “Grandma’s House.”
Boroumand said during the tribute, “It is Bahram Dehghaniar who truly deserves recognition. At just 21, he composed the music for ‘Grandma’s House’ and has continued his creative journey. His work is exceptional and deserves appreciation.” She also urged Deputy Minister Nadereh Rezai to make every effort to support children’s music.
The concert was attended by prominent figures such as Mostafa Rahmandoust, poet and author; Bahram Dehghaniar, composer; Mahmoud Montazem Sedighi, composer; Hadi Arazm, violinist and composer; and Peyman Shariati, actor, writer, and director, among other artists.