German jazz drummer Wolfgang Haffner and his band are set to perform in the Iranian capital of Tehran in March.

The gigs will take place at the Honar Cultural Center and are sponsored by the German Embassy in Tehran and the concert will present pieces composed by Duke Ellington.

Haffner was born in Wunsiedel in 1965 and began his career in the German French Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Albert Mangelsdorff.

Later on he became the the drummer in Klaus Doldingers ‘Passport’ and played with them for 11 years, touring Europe and South Africa.

He has also recorded and performed with international jazz artists such as Pat Metheny, Michael & Randy Brecker, Larry Carlton, Bill Evans, Bob James, Art Farmer in addition to Chaka Khan, Jan Garbarek, Lalo Schifrin, NDR Big Band Hamburg and the WDR Big Band Cologne.

Although the political unrest of last summer strained tensions between Iran and the West, it was reported in June that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a jazz fan.

The Washington Post wrote last June:

“Iranian officials point out that Khamenei favors jazz and wears a wristwatch, a modern flourish for a cleric”

Some observers have said that this was a surprise as they claimed Khamenei inspired the closing of music schools across Iran in 1996, claiming that the promotion of music was not allowed:

A spokesperson in 2000 interview reportedly said:

“It is not permissible to teach beguiling music which is suitable for trifling and immoral gatherings.”

However, perhaps a European jazz artist playing in the country is a step in a more positive direction.

Haffner formed his current lineup in 2002 and after playing in Tehran will continue the tour in Pakistan and India.

Check out his official site at www.wolfganghaffner.com