The Second Tribute to Ali-Naqi Vaziri by Iranian Instruments Orchestra

“Longing and Distraught”; The Second Performance of the Rudaki Foundation’s Iranian Instruments Orchestra in Commemoration of Alinaqi Vaziri.
Rudaki Foundation: The Iranian Instruments Orchestra of the Rudaki Foundation will take the stage at Rudaki Hall on September 18 and 19, 2026, for its second official performance, titled “Longing and Distraught” (Moshtagh o Parishan), commemorating Alinaqi Vaziri—the composer, musician, and influential figure in the formation of modern music in Iran.
“Longing and Distraught” marks the second performance experience of the Rudaki Foundation’s Iranian Instruments Orchestra, to be held on September 18 and 19, 2026, at 8:00 PM at Rudaki Hall. In this performance, Ghasem Rahimzadeh serves as the guest conductor, and Ashkan Kamangari appears as the guest vocalist, accompanying the orchestra.
This program is organized with a focus on a portion of Alinaqi Vaziri’s musical legacy—an artist regarded as an influential figure in the evolution of Iranian music in the contemporary era, known for his modernist approach and emphasis on developing music education and knowledge. Attention to the scientific teaching of music, theoretical and pedagogical activities, and efforts to create fresh experiences in composition and performance of Iranian music are among the significant aspects of Vaziri’s oeuvre that are highlighted in this program.
In this performance, pieces including “Longing and Distraught” (Moshtagh o Parishan), “Oh Homeland” (Ey Vatan), and “Musical Gymnastics” jimenastik-e Muzikal) will be performed. Additionally, sections featuring instrumental and vocal performances, as well as a tar trio based on Alinaqi Vaziri’s radif (traditional repertoire) in the Dastgāh-e Dashti (Dashti modal system), are other parts of this program—a combination that, alongside the orchestral presentation, offers greater opportunity to explore the capacities of Iranian music across various formats.
The Iranian Instruments Orchestra of the Rudaki Foundation was established with the aim of elevating the quality of Iranian music performances, providing a professional platform for musicians and artists in this field, and also recognizing and revitalizing Iran’s modal classical music heritage (radif and dastgāh system). This orchestra strives, by drawing on the capabilities of Iranian instrument performers, to create a foundation for delivering cohesive and professional programs, while also refocusing attention on Iran’s musical heritage.
The Artistic Council of the Rudaki Foundation’s Iranian Instruments Orchestra consists of Parichehr Khajeh, Ali Bahramifard, Hesam Inanlou, Ghasem Rahimzadeh, and Amir Abbas Setayeshgar.
The formation of this orchestra took place last year, following the Rudaki Foundation’s open call for Iranian instrument performers. After holding auditions and evaluating the musicians, the orchestra members were selected, rehearsals began, and the ensemble’s first official performance, titled “Strike a Path…” (Rahi bezan…), was staged at Vahdat Hall in commemoration of Master Faramarz Payvar.
Now, in its second performance experience, the Rudaki Foundation’s Iranian Instruments Orchestra, with “Longing and Distraught,” turns to yet another chapter of Iran’s musical heritage—a performance that, alongside honoring Alinaqi Vaziri’s legacy, represents an effort to bridge musical heritage, performance practice, and the capabilities of today’s generation of Iranian instrument players.
Those interested can purchase tickets for this performance through the Honarticket website.