Iran's first woman orchestra conductor inspires

TEHRAN: When Paniz Faryoussefi mounts the podium and reaches for her baton, she represents more than just the hope of a thrilling orchestral performance.
The eyes turned towards her in Tehran's renowned Vahdat Hall include those of many young women musicians inspired by her taking her place as Iran's first woman philharmonic conductor.
'When I stepped onto the stage, I noticed that all eyes were on a woman conducting the orchestra and I felt an immense responsibility', she said after the performance.
And since a 12-day war with Israel earlier this year, Iranians have been pushing social boundaries further still.
Analysts say the authorities have shown greater tolerance, while keeping as close an eye as ever for any signals of political dissent.
Several women in the audience at the concert did not wear their scarves. The conductor wore hers, covering her hair as the law demands, but her arrival at the podium was in itself a sign of greater openness.
The crowd shared Faryoussefi's enthusiasm, particularly the young women, who seemed aware that they were witnessing a historic moment.
Faryoussefi was born into an artistic family and her mother dreamed of her becoming a cheffe d'orchestre — but Iranian performing arts academies do not teach conducting.
She briefly attended classes in Armenia before returning to build a trailblazing career.
'Young women need to persevere and follow their dreams', she said.
At the podium, she led the 50-strong orchestra through works by Austria's Franz Schubert, Finland's Jean Sibelius and the Soviet-Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian.
'I hope this marks a new era for young Iranian women and that they will understand that... they should not be afraid', she said. 'It is the only gateway to emancipation.
'A friend saw a little girl in the audience mimicking my movements. He thought a dream was already taking root in her, that she was thinking she too could one day achieve the same thing'.
The concerts took place over two days and attracted large crowds. — AFP