Nostalgic Musical Journey (Iranian Music)

[Rasputin]

[Rasputin]

[Rasputin]

What is so spectacular about a man and his music, a musician and his instrument? And what does that say about our cultural heritage and sense of identity as a music loving people? Despite the alluring power of pop culture, classical Iranian music is enjoying a renaissance among Iranian natives and Diasporas alike and that provided the right impetus for a discussion with the adroit Mahmoud Zolfonoun.

Ostad Zolfonoun’s judicious stewardship of classical Iranian music is worthy of our recognition and appreciation. Confident, authentic and resolute, he is a man of small stature, yet towering presence & large vision –a living legend and master musician hailing from Iran and presently living in Northern California.

As it turns out, he is not only a good musician but also has a soulful, soothing voice; a man of many talents, keen sense of present and delightful company. The late composer and conductor Rouhollah Khaleghi said it best in his encyclopedia of traditional Persian music, “Mahmoud's contributions as violist, composer, teacher and academic are of great significance, cementing his prominence in the history of traditional Persian music.”