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| Memmed Ansari |
In an interview with Voice of America, Tabriz-born composer Memmed Ansari assessed the state of music development in South Azerbaijan.
Ansari expressed that the development of the art of music in South Azerbaijan is not satisfactory, although there are visible personal initiatives and efforts aimed at creating high-quality works. Currently pursuing a PhD in composition at Goldsmiths, University of London, the Tabriz-based artist evaluated recent events, concerts, and the quality of works released in Iranian Azerbaijan during his conversation with Voice of America.
“To achieve professionalism, we need much more time. The reasons for not being professional are also clear. The authorities are indifferent to music; there is no organized activity…”
The composer noted that the public’s musical taste is at a low level due to the conditions in Iran and the educational system. He highlighted that quality work is only achieved through personal initiatives:
“Musicians take personal initiatives, dedicate time, work hard, and form groups. We do see successful concerts,” he stated.
However, he also pointed out that high-quality activities lack consistency and are sometimes interrupted.
According to Ansari, especially in the city of Tabriz, government pressure on artists and musical activities can cause efforts to either stop altogether or decline in quality.
“There are also those who treat music entirely as a commercial venture. These individuals bring singers from Tehran to Tabriz for concerts. These singers, who have gained some fame through television programs or series, are promoted by what I would call music brokers. To be honest, the public’s financial capacity to spend on music concerts is limited,” said the composer of the 21 Azar Symphonic Poem.
Sharing his thoughts with Voice of America about some of the artists, works, and concerts that have recently been in the spotlight in South Azerbaijan, Memmed Ansari praised the musical performances of the Lachin Group, certain activities in the rock music genre, and the works of Navid Musmir.
The South Azerbaijani composer also spoke about the situation of renowned musician and music teacher Hasan Damirchi, who has been subjected to repeated pressure, arrests, and harassment by government forces.
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Məmməd Ənsari: İranda hakimiyyət musiqi ilə maraqlanmır