TEHRAN-The late Iranian classical guitarist Lily Afshar will be commemorated at a ceremony at the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) in Tehran on Sunday.

Organized by the IAF and Beethoven Music Center (also known as Chama Ara Museum), the event will be held on the occasion of Afshar’s 64th birth anniversary (March 9), ILNA reported.

Four guitarists namely Kimia Afshari, Roya Movafagh, Rasam Lordegani, and Farzin Tehranian will have solo performances on classical guitar at the ceremony. 

An Iranian-American musician, Afshar passed away last October. She was known for her passionate and impeccable performances. Combining her formal training in the United States and Europe with her Persian cultural heritage, she offered audiences an extraordinary musical experience.

Born in Tehran in 1960, Afshar earned degrees in music from the Boston Conservatory, the New England Conservatory, and became the first woman to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts in guitar performance from Florida State University.

In her concerts, Afshar showcased her Persian roots by occasionally performing on the setar, a traditional Persian instrument. Her music was often described as rich and beautiful, resembling a Persian miniature or tapestry.

Afshar received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Orville H. Gibson Award for Best Female Classical Guitarist in 2000. She also won top prizes in prestigious competitions such as the Guitar Foundation of America Competition and the Aspen Music Festival Guitar Competition.

Beyond her accolades, Afshar was recognized as an “Artistic Ambassador” for the United States Information Agency, representing the country in Africa. She performed in various solo, chamber music, and orchestral venues across the globe, including the US, Canada, Europe, Jordan, Australia, and her native Iran.

Alongside her performances, Afshar conducted guitar courses and master classes in Iran. Her CD recordings have received international critical acclaim, providing classical guitar enthusiasts with an opportunity to enjoy her captivating music.

SS/SAB