Iran Mourns the Loss of Renowned Musician Fereydoun Shahbazian

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abash Araghchi, expressed heartfelt condolences over the passing of Fereydoun Shahbazian, a celebrated Iranian musician, composer, and conductor, who died at the age of 80 in Tehran due to acute respiratory problems.

“Late Shahbazian, a capable master of Iranian music, played a valuable role in elevating the country’s musical art,” Araghchi wrote on his Instagram page on Saturday night. The foreign minister also referenced some couplets from Shahbazian’s renowned compositions, highlighting the immense legacy the maestro left behind.

Fereydoun Shahbazian, born on June 11, 1942, in Tehran, developed a passion for music under the influence of his father, Hossein Shahbazian, a disciple of the legendary Abolhasan Saba. He began his formal training in violin under Ataollah Khadem Misagh before studying with the Russian violinist Serge Khotsev. Shahbazian pursued further education at the Tehran Conservatory of Music, joining the Tehran Symphony Orchestra at just 17.

Throughout his illustrious career, Shahbazian contributed to Iranian music as a composer, conductor, and educator. He collaborated with the Radio Flowers Orchestra and served as the conductor of the Iranian National Orchestra from October 2016 to March 2019.

In the 1980s, Shahbazian expanded his influence into film music, co-founding the Music Council at Iran’s national broadcaster. His acclaimed film scores include “Life” (1997), “Hiva” (1998), “The Last Supper”, “Innocence Lost” (2003), “The Fourth Child” (2012), and “Son of Fortune” (2012).

Shahbazian’s contributions to Iranian music have been pivotal, earning him recognition as one of the nation’s most distinguished artists. His passing is a profound loss for the cultural and artistic community of Iran.