Following the 1979 revolution, Iranian female singers have been banned from performing as solo artists. With public performances under interdiction, many prominent female artists had to halt their careers at the height of their artistic mastery. A prominent case of this was Parisa, the virtuoso female singer who was recognized internationally as a generational talent, and who was prevented from performing publicly after 1979.
This panel discussion will explore the artistic and societal challenges faced by Iranian female singers. It will also delve into the technical aspects of Iranian classical singing. Discussions will focus on vocal techniques, interpretative methods, and the preservation of traditional vocal practices, highlighting how restrictions affected the passing down of knowledge, training, and performance. Iranian singers Malihe Moradi, Sahar Boroujerdi, Mohammadi, Mahbobeh Golzari, and two other esteemed vocalists will join the panel to share both personal experiences and technical insights. They will reflect on the challenges of preserving their craft while offering demonstrations of essential Persian singing techniques. Through a balance of historical context, personal narratives, and technical analysis, Voices in Shadow seeks to foster a deeper understanding of both the artistic excellence and cultural barriers Iranian female singers have navigated, and to encourage dialogue and a broader appreciation of their contributions. This panel discussion will be moderated by Shahab Paranj.
Made possible by generous support from the Gramian-Emrani Center for Iranian Music.