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Reza Fekri (Persian: رضا فکری; born May 24, 1992) is an Iranian operatic tenor recognized for his performances in classical Western opera and contemporary Iranian compositions. He has collaborated with leading orchestras and opera houses, including the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, and Helikon Opera. His repertoire spans works by Mozart, Verdi, and Bizet, alongside contemporary compositions inspired by Iranian culture.

1. 1. Early life and education

Reza Fekri was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1992. Initially pursuing a degree in banking and accounting, he later decided to focus on his passion for opera. Fekri enrolled at the Academy of Music, University of Zagreb, where he studied under Professor Renata Pokupić, a prominent Croatian mezzo-soprano.

1. 1. Career
      1. Early career

Fekri began his professional career in 2008, performing in local recitals and cultural events in Tehran. His early performances gained attention for blending Western classical techniques with traditional Iranian influences.

1. 1. 1. International recognition

In 2018, Fekri collaborated with Iranian-Austrian composer Alexander Rahbari, who composed works such as So Spoke Zarathustra Spitama and Persian's Tragedy specifically for him. These collaborations marked a turning point in Fekri's career. So Spoke Zarathustra Spitama premiered with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra in 2022 and was later performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.

In addition to his operatic work, Fekri has appeared as a soloist in Mozart's Davide penitente and has performed in Verdi's La Traviata and Bizet's Carmen. He has also collaborated with the Helikon Opera in Moscow, where he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Don José in Carmen.

1. 1. 1. Collaborations and recordings

Fekri’s recordings include Morshed (2018) and The Sharp Tongues of Narcissi (2020). These works, which merge elements of Persian poetry with operatic traditions, have been praised for their innovation. Several of his recent projects, including Persian's Tragedy and West-Eastern Divan Goethe, are being produced by Naxos Records and are scheduled for release in 2025.

1. 1. Selected works and performances

• Morshed (2018, album)
• The Sharp Tongues of Narcissi (2020, album)
• So Spoke Zarathustra Spitama (2022, live performance in Zagreb and Saint Petersburg)
• Persian's Tragedy (in production, 2025 release)
• West-Eastern Divan Goethe (in production, 2025 release)

1. 1. Legacy and impact

Reza Fekri is widely celebrated for his ability to bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions, introducing global audiences to elements of Persian culture through opera. His work has inspired contemporary Iranian composers to explore opera as a medium for storytelling.

1. 1. References

1. "Iranian Tenor Reza Fekri Merges Cultures in Opera". Tehran Times. November 12, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
2. "Academy of Music, University of Zagreb". University of Zagreb. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
3. "Profile: Reza Fekri". Music Iran. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
4. "Official Website of Alexander Rahbari". Retrieved January 10, 2025.
5. "Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra Past Performances". Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
6. "Reza Fekri in Bizet's Carmen at Helikon Opera". Helikon Opera. July 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
7. "Reza Fekri: Morshed". Naxos Records. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
8. "Naxos Records". Retrieved January 10, 2025.
9. "Reza Fekri: A Tenor Bridging Cultures". Opera Review Iran. October 15, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2025.

1. 1. External links

• Official website
• Reza Fekri's Official YouTube Channel on YouTube
• Template:Spotify artist
• Reza Fekri on Instagram

• 1992 births
• Living people
• Iranian opera singers
• Operatic tenors
• University of Zagreb alumni
• People from Tehran