Bahar Ilchi, an Iranian pianist, singer, and music teacher, has spent over 20 years challenging restrictions in Iran’s music scene.
In 2009, she founded Polaris, an all-female band that mixes modern pop with traditional Iranian sounds. Ilchi told SBS Persian, “I wanted to create a space where women could perform, collaborate, and be heard.”
Despite many talented female musicians, Ilchi was frustrated by the limited chances for women to perform live in Iran.
Since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979, women in Iran have faced strict limits on singing and performing in public. The Guardian reports that women’s singing was initially banned altogether and later restricted to prevent solo performances before mixed-gender audiences. Women can sing as background vocalists or perform for female-only audiences, but solo public singing remains mostly forbidden, according to Iran International.
Ilchi saw an opportunity in a loophole that allowed women to perform on stage as part of a band. She said she was inspired by groups like the Backstreet Boys and Metallica and valued the energy of group performances.
After three and a half years of rehearsals, facing rejections and government bureaucracy, Polaris finally received official permission from Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to perform publicly.
Ilchi recalled, “We rehearsed for years without knowing if permission would come. When it finally did, I screamed with joy.”
A Band Like No Other
What started as a small group grew into a well-known act across Iran. Polaris has performed more than 50 times at major venues in Tehran, including Vahdat Hall, the Niavaran Cultural Center, and Iran’s Fajr International Music Festival.
Over the years, the band’s size has varied from 16 to 36 members, including both experienced musicians and young learners. Currently, Polaris includes four singers and a full set of instruments such as bass guitar, trumpet, violin, saxophone, flute, keyboard, drums, electric guitar, and tombak (a traditional goblet drum).
Ilchi said, “I wasn’t focused on how many members we had. What mattered was including instruments that people rarely see women play.”
Her goal was to use pop music’s popularity to challenge stereotypes about women in Iran.
Polaris also performs Iranian folk songs from various regions, highlighting different dialects and cultures such as Gilaki, Kordi, Lori, Azari, and Jonubi.
The band has released over 20 original Persian singles. However, Iranian law prevents them from publishing music online or distributing it publicly. Under these rules, women cannot perform solo vocals in mixed-gender settings or release recordings available to the public. Because of this, Polaris can only perform their Persian songs in private, women-only concerts inside Iran.
The band also sings popular songs in English, Arabic, and French. Ilchi said, “Music is the common language of the world — a language of communication and peace.”
Another challenge has been the frequent loss of band members due to migration. Still, Ilchi sees this as her responsibility to find new talent and create a rare space for young women to develop and perform.
“I’m proud that Polaris offers this opportunity,” she said.
Women-Only Concerts and Restrictions
The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) states that women are allowed to sing for female-only audiences, whether in choirs or solo. However, the European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI) says solo female performances are still illegal in Iran.
Many female artists defy these bans by sharing their voices on social media.
Ilchi appreciates performing for women, saying, “Women are very attentive to every detail and give thoughtful feedback. That’s why we love performing for them.”
After many years of obstacles, Polaris is now preparing for its first concerts overseas, which Ilchi describes as “nothing less than reaching the moon.”
The tour will start in Australia with shows in Brisbane and Melbourne (Dandenong).
Raising Their Voices for Iranian Women
Azadeh Davachi, an Iranian-Australian researcher and women’s rights activist, calls Polaris’s international shows a breakthrough for Iranian women.
“This is a huge step not only for women in Iran but for women everywhere who are standing up for themselves, especially Gen Z and Millennials,” she said.
Davachi noted that the band is challenging stereotypes by performing on global stages, with or without the hijab.
“Performing on stage is a powerful statement. It’s important we focus on the act itself — their presence is a significant movement.”
Quoting Iranian scholar Farzaneh Milani, Davachi said, “The more a society restricts women, the more creative they become.”
She also praised the resilience of Iranian women abroad.
“For those of us outside Iran, it is inspiring to see how women are thriving and refusing to give up. It fills us with hope.”
Looking forward, Davachi believes women will lead protest art in Iran. “They are the most oppressed, and their creative resistance is very strong.”
Bringing Polaris to Australia
Natasha Nasiri, an Iranian-Australian event organiser, was driven by a passion to promote female talent and bring Polaris to Australia.
Nasiri said she wants to bridge cultural gaps and share Iranian female talent with the world. After seeing Polaris’s energy and professionalism in Iran, she wondered why their talent should stay hidden.
However, organising the tour was challenging.
“It was a mix of stress and excitement. We couldn’t confirm anything until their visas arrived just a week before the shows,” Nasiri said.
The band’s lack of video footage was both a challenge and an advantage. Since Polaris is not allowed to share recordings publicly, few people had seen their performances. But this mystery also sparked curiosity about the band.
Nasiri insisted on bringing the entire group, not just some members, despite the cost.
“This concert is not just about music. It’s about showing the talent of women who have been restricted for so long. It’s about encouraging other women to follow their dreams,” she said.
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