Concert at Vatican for Deputy Minister of Culture

A video addressed to the Deputy Minister of Culture regarding the holding of a concert at the Vatican became newsworthy.

A video was circulated on social networks showing the “Gustavo Dudamel” concert held on the eightieth birthday of Pope Benedict XVI with the presence of the Pope and seven thousand other spectators in the “Paul VI Hall” at the Vatican.

This video became highly newsworthy, and the majority of people shared this video addressing “Mahmoud Salari,” the Artistic Deputy of the Ministry of Culture. Since the holding of concerts is prohibited in some cities in Iran, Mahmoud Salari, in response to the question “Why are authorized concerts prohibited in the city of Mashhad,” said: “I have mentioned this to artists as well. Has anyone ever held a concert at the Vatican? It also exists in Europe. There is no prohibition whatsoever. Whoever wants to goes to Milan, Rome, or other cities and holds concerts. In fact, there is a reasoning for this. Mashhad is an exception in our country. Moreover, last year, regional music, especially South Khorasan music, held several performances there. Currently, only pop music is not performed in Mashhad city itself. The city of Mashhad should not move away from being a pilgrimage destination and become touristy. We tried to preserve the spiritual status of the city of Mashhad and the shrine pilgrims.”

Bahman Babazadeh, a music journalist, responded to Mahmoud Salari’s remarks by writing: “Yes, Mr. Artistic Deputy, concerts are held at the Vatican every year. There is no doubt that you have several times cited scientific and research advisors and those around you in your music office, but I must inform you that many concerts are held at the Vatican every year. Rita Ora’s concert at the Vatican, Gustavo Dudamel’s concert on the eightieth birthday of the sixteenth Pope are being held.”