http://www.smh.com.au/world/iran-cancels-concert-over-women-musicians-report-20100223-os7h.html
Iran cancels concert over women musicians: report February 23, 2010 - 7:48AM Iranian authorities have cancelled a traditional music concert in the western city of Tabriz because two members of the band are women, the ISNA news agency reports. 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. Under Iranian law, women who form part of a group are allowed to perform in concert, and only when they sing solo are their performances limited to women audiences. "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 on Monday 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. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
