On March 12, the Min-On Concert Association organized a special concert event entitled “A Melodic Inquiry into the Traditional Instrument Tar,” honoring the 95th anniversary of diplomatic relations that were formally established between Iran and Japan.
The event was held at the Min-On Culture Center’s Museum Hall in Tokyo with the generous cooperation of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Japan, drawing an audience of some 150 people.
His Excellency Peiman Seadat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Japan, gave the opening address, saying that Persian music has for centuries transcended differences in national borders and languages. He described it as a force that, through its harmony and rhythm, resonates in the hearts of listeners, regardless of what they believe are or where they live, to help deepen understanding of our human origins and our shared humanity.
As part of the commemorative concert, Keivan Saket, one of Iran’s foremost performers of the stringed tar who is also renowned as a music instructor, author and researcher, spoke on traditional Persian music. He and his son, Siavash—who plays the Iranian goblet drum tombak—then performed a series of Persian music and old Japanese favorites, which the audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
Also, during the concert, Mr. Saket donated a setar, a Persian lute, to the Min-On Music Museum collection featuring musical instruments from around the world.
This series of special concert events was made possible by the subscribers of the Min-On Concert Association and other contributors who support our various outreach initiatives.
