In the fall of 1964, an Iranian musical group traveled to Moscow to perform, marking a significant cultural exchange during a period of complex international relations. The members of this group included some of Iran’s most renowned artists: Bahar Gholamhosseini, famously known as Elahe (1934-2007), a celebrated singer; Nasser Masoudi (1935-2007), another prominent vocalist; Mehdi Khaledi (1919-2000), a composer and violinist; Farhang Sharif (1930-2006), a master tar player; and Jahangir Malek (1932-2008), a skilled percussionist. These individuals represented the rich tradition of Iranian music, blending classical and contemporary elements to captivate audiences both at home and abroad.
Among these artists, Elahe stands out not only for her immense talent but also for her remarkable journey in the world of music. Born in 1934, Bahar Gholamhosseini demonstrated an early passion for singing. However, her family’s disapproval of her musical aspirations forced her to pursue her dreams in secret. As a child, she would often sing quietly in her room, honing her skills away from the watchful eyes of her relatives. Her story reflects the societal challenges faced by women in Iran at the time, particularly in pursuing careers in the arts.
Elahe’s life took a transformative turn in February 1955 when she married Khairollah Yeganeh, a wealthy intellectual from a prominent Lor family. Unlike her birth family, Yeganeh supported Elahe’s artistic ambitions and played a pivotal role in her success. Through his encouragement, Elahe began to explore opportunities in the music world. It was during this period that she was introduced to Majid Vafadar, a neighbor of her parents. This connection, facilitated by the filmmaker Parviz Khatibi, became Elahe’s gateway into the professional music scene.