Al-Monitor | Maziar Motamedi: Aso Kohzadi, a violinist with a master’s degree in electronic music from the Netherlands, regularly performs well-known classical tunes and her own compositions in the streets of Tehran.

Kohzadi is often accompanied by her partner Mehrdad Mehdi, who plays the accordion and who was one of the very first street musicians in the Iranian capital. Although Kohzadi has performed in cafes and concert halls, the academically trained classical musician says she loves playing in the streets and “bringing a smile to the faces of passersby,” particularly those who do not usually go to concerts.

Yet her impromptu street performances may have come to an end.

Iranian officials and members of parliament have recently signaled that street musicians may soon be legally required to obtain permits if they wish to perform in public places, or else they would face repercussions. The move has yet to be finalized and its scope remains unclear, but ever since musicians learned about this at the end of summer they fear the worst.

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