TEHRAN – The capital’s 
Symphony Orchestra gears up to perform Namira, a sweeping oratorio composed by Behzad Abdi and conducted by Nasir Heydarian. 
Scheduled for August 18 and 19, this performance promises a rich blend of grand orchestration, choral power, and evocative vocals, all centered around the themes of freedom and the timeless spirit of Ashura.
Namira — which translates to “Immortal” — isn’t just another classical piece; it’s a sprawling, ambitious composition for a full orchestra, choir, and vocal soloists. 
The cast features standout performers like Vahid Taj and Hussein Alishapour, bringing vocal depth and emotion to the work’s narrative. Other notable musicians include Mojtaba Asgari, Hadi Feyzabadi, Mahmoud Salehi, and Behnaz Naderi, rounding out a dynamic lineup.
The project is a collaboration between the Rudaki Foundation and the Maava Center for Music of the Islamic Revolution, with additional backing from cultural organizations supporting the arts in Iran. It’s part of a broader effort to use music as a vehicle to explore spiritual and historical themes tied to the Ashura commemorations.
The show follows the recent Golgoun concert by the National Iranian Music Orchestra, which also delved into the legacy of Imam Hussein (AS) with compositions from top Iranian composers like Hassan Riyahi and Aminollah Rashidi.