TEHRAN -- The 18th edition of Iran’s National Young Music Festival is set to ignite Tehran’s cultural calendar from September 2 to 17 at the iconic Rudaki Hall. 
Under the direction of Hamidreza Ardalan, the festival promises a vibrant celebration of Iran’s rich musical heritage, showcasing the best young talent across three core styles: Persian classical (Dastgahi), regional folk, and Western classical music.
Over 1,600 entries poured in this year, with a whopping 833 pieces in Persian classical music alone, plus nearly 450 folk submissions and over 350 Western classical works — a clear testament to the country’s musical diversity and youth passion. 
A team of 92 expert judges began evaluating the flood of submissions mid-July, culminating in a high-stakes final round featuring top finalists battling for glory.
On September 6, the local music group Azhin, led by the charismatic Baba Ali Joozipour, will take the stage at Tehran’s Arasbaran Cultural Center. Their setlist dives deep into the heart of Luristan folk music with enchanting pieces like Ivareh, Sa Khial, Lareh, and Malakeh Bahar. 
Expect a rich tapestry of traditional sounds powered by the talents of Davood Rezaei (kamancheh), Davood Beiranvand (sorna), Mokhtar Zand Salimi (daf), and others.
A week later, on September 13, the Sharar Orchestra will fill Tehran’s Vahdat Hall with a stirring blend of love and patriotism in their concert Vatan (Homeland). Helmed by conductor, composer, and arranger Alireza Haj Ali Shir, with poetry by Taybeh Rezaei, the performance melds heartfelt Persian love ballads with spirited Kurdish folk anthems.
From tender melodies like Dance in Samangan and Help Me to powerful nationalistic pieces such as Kurdistan Khoshah, Shirin Giyan and Vatan, the concert promises a journey through the emotional and cultural landscapes of Iran. Highlighting the evening is a thrilling finale inspired by Kurdish martial music, symbolizing unity, pride, and national strength.
Sharar’s concert master Danial Jorabchi, chorus leader Hamed Lak, and vocalists Mehdi Afshar and Mojtaba Ghobadi are set to deliver a night to remember, celebrating the country’s musical diversity and shared heritage.
Stay tuned as Iran’s young maestros take center stage, blending tradition and innovation in a musical festival that’s both a celebration and a statement — of identity, passion, and unity.