🎶 BABA KARAM | بابا کرم - Iranshahr Orchestra ft. Cameron Shahbazi | Farhang Performances

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Experience the electrifying Los Angeles premiere of BABA KARAM by opera sensation @CameronShahbazicountertenor and the @iranshahrorchestra.
A bold and evocative orchestral reinterpretation of one of Iran’s most iconic and culturally resonant musical forms. This unforgettable performance by the @iranshahrorchestra , under the masterful baton of conductor Shahab Paranj and composed by @Kavehmirhosseini, features the LA debut of international opera sensation Cameron Shahbazi.

Presented as part of Farhang Foundation’s 2025 Nowruz Concert at the historic Royce Hall, this premiere marks a groundbreaking moment in the intersection of traditional Iranian music and contemporary classical expression. With rich instrumentation, operatic vocals, and deep cultural roots, BABA KARAM is reimagined here as a moving tribute to Iran’s vibrant artistic heritage and spirit of celebration.

About Cameron Shahbazi:
Rising countertenor Cameron Shahbazi, praised for his “full, voluminous” voice and “personal and beautiful” timbre (De Trouw), is celebrated for his acclaimed interpretations of baroque and contemporary music. In 2023, he received the Opus Klassik Award for ‘Innovative Concert of the Year’ for Woman.Life.Freedom., a benefit concert he conceived in support of human rights in Iran.

The 2024-25 season sees Shahbazi debut at Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona as Tolomeo in Giulio Cesare, and with Vancouver Opera in Flight. He reprises George Benjamin’s Picture a Day Like This at Opéra Comique, Opéra national du Rhin, and the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg. In Paris, he presents a recital of arias and Iranian songs with pianist Sophia Muñoz.

Past highlights include his Royal Opera House debut as Hamor in Jephtha, Tolomeo at Glyndebourne Festival and Dutch National Opera, and roles at Bayerische Staatsoper, Festival Aix-en-Provence, and Linbury Theatre. He appeared at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Barcelona’s Palau de la Música.

A sought-after concert performer, Shahbazi has sung Carmina Burana, Stabat Mater, Dream of the Song, Messiah, and Written on Skin with leading orchestras. He has given recitals at Oper Frankfurt, Sainte Chapelle Opera Festival, and more.

An alumnus of the Dutch National Opera Studio, University of Toronto, and Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he has received honors including the Sylva Gelber Award, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Award, and top prizes at major international competitions.

About Iranshahr Orchestra:
The Iranshahr Orchestra, the first Iranian orchestra established outside of Iran, is composed of some of the most gifted and highly accomplished musicians in Los Angeles, united by a shared commitment to championing composers, performers, and educators. With a primary mission to promote and preserve Iranian music, the orchestra annually commissions, performs, and premieres works by Iranian composers, nurturing a rich and ever-evolving musical legacy.

Distinguished by its cultural diversity, The Iranshahr Orchestra transcends the conventional Western classical format, integrating instruments from Iran and neighboring regions while establishing a unique aesthetic and organizational structure rooted beyond European traditions.

Since 2024, the orchestra has been the official resident ensemble of the Center for Iranian Music at UCLA, further solidifying its role as a leading force in the promotion of Iranian musical heritage.
Among its notable initiatives, Avāz-e Jān—an ongoing collaboration with esteemed Iranian musicians—stands as a testament to its commitment to innovation. The orchestra has also commissioned works from distinguished composers such as Richard Danielpour, Reza Vali, and Ian Krouse, further enriching its artistic repertoire.

In June 2024, The Iranshahr Orchestra released its debut album under the prestigious Naxos label. This landmark recording, nominated for Best Contemporary Classical Music at the International Classical Music Awards, features works by Richard Danielpour and showcases Grammy-winning soprano Hila Plitmann, conducted by Shahab Paranj.

Performance shot and produced by Arash Rod.
Visuals courtesy of Mohammad Rahimi.

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