Nastaran Abolhassanzadeh Quchani
Arirang Master - No: 2422
Nastaran Abolhassanzadeh Moghaddam Quchani, also known as Banou Quchani, was born in 1983 in Quchan, Iran, and currently resides in Mashhad. She is a graduate in music with a degree in visual arts and holds an honorary doctorate in management from the European Foundation for Management Development. With 19 years of experience as an educator, she teaches folk music in high school and is well-regarded as a Dotar and Dohol player and a folk singer. Nastaran's musical journey was influenced by her mother's Kurdish heritage, leading her to embrace Kermanji music and become a custodian of North Khorasan's Mughami music, which includes Kurdish, Persian, and Turkish traditions. She founded the Haray Folk Band, one of the most esteemed folk music groups in Iran.
Skill and Mastery:
Nastaran Abolhassanzadeh Quchani has developed a profound mastery of Iranian folk music, particularly from North Khorasan. This music is deeply intertwined with the lives of the people, encompassing songs for weddings, funerals, religious traditions, love stories, and mythological tales. In 2005, she founded the Haray Folk Music Band, which introduces Persian, Kurdish, and Turkish folk music from North Khorasan to the world. Her performances, both solo and with her band, have garnered international acclaim, making her one of the foremost Iranian folk singers and instrumentalists. Her work is characterized by its soulful renditions and deep cultural resonance.
Creativity and Innovation:
Nastaran's creativity and innovation are evident in her ability to adapt and modernize traditional Iranian folk music while preserving its cultural essence. She has created opportunities for young Iranian women by teaching them folk singing and instrumental music, fostering a new generation of musicians who continue the legacy of Iranian folk traditions. Her artistic upbringing, with a father who was a notable singer and Dotar player, has deeply influenced her creative approach. This blend of heritage and innovation gives her a unique ability to revitalize Iran’s traditional folk music, making it relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences.
Education and Mentorship:
Since 2005, Nastaran has been dedicated to passing on the rich heritage of traditional Iranian folk music. She has established the Haray Folk Music Band, which is based on the diverse historical and cultural influences of Iranian folk music. She is a mentor to many passionate students, known for her dedication to teaching and preserving folk music traditions. Her goal is to make her art accessible to all, raising awareness and appreciation for Iranian folk music, which is often underrepresented and little-known in the broader cultural landscape.
Accolades and Achievements:
Nastaran's contributions to folk music have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including:
- Second place at the 8th International Imam Reza (AS) Festival in Kurdistan (2009).
- First place in the musical department of the first national festival of Mazandaran prayer (2009).
- First place in the first national cultural festival of artistic submission in Tehran (2010).
- Honorable mention at the first national music festival Holy Defense of Fars (2011).
- First place at the 9th International Imam Reza (AS) festival in Kurdistan (2011).
- Second place at the sixth national festival of folklore music of Beit and Huran in West Azarbaijan (2011).
- Top group of music at the second festival of the Islamic Revolutionary in Lorestan-Khorramabad (2011).
- Top Title at the National Festivals of Hazrat Ali Akbar (AS) Youth and Music Department in Tehran (2012).
- Judge and selected group at various national festivals including the 6th international festival of Iranian tribes in Gorgan (2012).
International Performances:
Nastaran and her Haray Folk Music Band have performed and received certifications in various countries, including Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, UAE, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Germany, India, Netherlands, France, and Spain.
Relevant Short Videos
[Nastaran Abolhassanzadeh Quchani – Performance Collection]
(https://www.nastaranabolhassanzadeh.com/index.php/home/music-video/)