TEHRAN- The 39th edition of the Fajr Music Festival will take place in Tehran and other provinces from February 12 to 17, marking the return of the festival's international title after more than a decade of absence.

This revival is not merely a name change; it symbolizes a more committed approach and a fresh perspective to witness fierce competition in this segment, IRNA reported on Saturday. 

In addition to the ensembles featured in previous years, this edition of the festival will introduce solo and group performances by children and youth, including the inaugural solo showcase by adolescents from the School of Music for Girls and Boys.

The Fajr International Music Festival encompasses various sections such as the competitive (Barbad Award), non-competitive, song award, music and media award, anthem section, and research sessions.

The research section holds significant relevance and serves as an academic platform. Apart from conventional discussions, this year's edition will evaluate Master's theses in music, interdisciplinary Master's theses with a musical focus, and interdisciplinary theses as doctoral dissertations. Winners in each category will receive first, second, and third prizes.

Moreover, despite the absence of a music doctoral program in Iran, the festival will still assess doctoral dissertations. These dissertations encompass diverse research fields, such as cultural management, sociology, art, art research, philosophy and music, music industry, music and medicine, and more. The top three individuals in this section will also be honored. Notably, all first-place theses will be considered for publication.

Another captivating segment in this edition will be the screening of concerts by acclaimed music maestros from previous years. The women's section will receive particular emphasis, and the segment dedicated to honoring and commemorating music veterans will be more prominent than ever.

Approximately 20 performances will showcase Iranian pop music, while children and adolescents, including talents from music schools nationwide and solo performers in various branches, will participate in approximately 21 performances. Girls' and boys' schools in Isfahan and Qazvin will offer their notable performances, and women will take the stage for five performances.

The international section will feature approximately 10 performances, and various classical and fusion ensembles from different regions will deliver approximately 70 performances. 

The Symphony Orchestra and National Orchestra will have two performances, and there will be five outdoor anthem performances.

The definitive schedule of performances and the list of participating groups in the festival will be announced in the coming week.

In the previous edition of the festival, about 90 performances were held at seven halls, including Vahdat and Rudaki in Tehran during the festival.

Bands from Portugal, Russia, Hungary, India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Armenia and Serbia were also invited to perform. 

A dozen pop bands, five orchestras, 28 folk music groups, 14 traditional music ensembles and 11 anthem bands gave performances at the event.

A jury comprising Behzad Abdi, Majid Akhshabi, Hadi Azarm, Homayun Rahimian, Hushang Javid, Reza Mahdavi, Anton Tenetov and Olga Khomova selected the winners.

SAB/