Iran cancels concert over women musicians: report
AFP
TEHRAN- Iranian authorities have cancelled a traditional music concert in the western city of Tabriz because two members of the band were women, the ISNA news agency reported on Monday.
The cancellation of well-known traditional Iranian singer Homayoun Shajarian's concert, due to take place later this week, appears to contradict government policy, with women officially permitted to play musical instruments in public concerts.
The Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
"The concert was banned because of the presence of the women musicians and also because it was sold out, which could have been a safety hazard," Ahmad Ahmadi, the director for East Azerbaijan province's Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry, was quoted as saying.
Shajarian, son of famed Iranian traditional singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian, has performed several concerts in and outside Iran.
Iranians regularly organise traditional music concerts, while state-run television channels and radio stations dedicate ample air time for these cultural events.
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