rudakihallconcert

The year was 1975 , the Shah of Iran was at the height of his power and had created great wealth for the upper classes . My father's wealth alone was over fifty million U.S. Dollars .

II shall never forget that evening in November 75 when I was a guest at the Rudaki Opera house to enjoy Frank Sinatra's live concert . My mission was complete and I was flying back to London the next day.

IThe concert was very private, being performed in front of Empress Farah Pahlavi and selected guests . My father who owned the building next to the Opera house (rented by Rudaki hall for the use of the Performers) had an invitation which he passed on to me .

IThe box on the upper floor that I was sitting in was next to the Royal Gallery and watched very closely by SAVAK agents (the secret police). A gorgeous looking woman sat next to me who looked like a Persian version of Cindy Crawford . "Why are you here alone ?" She asked me with a beautiful smile . " Sinatra is my favorite singer and I would not have missed his show for all the tea in China." I answered . I knew she was a SAVAK agent. The purse that she held on her lap was not typical of a lady's evening purse in terms of size and looked like something heavy was inside it. Her name was "Homeira", and when I told her I was flying back to England the next day, she said she could call me during the month of June(76) as she was planning a trip to London for the purpose of visiting an old friend . I gladly gave her my phone number.

IThe national anthem was played and the Empress entered the Royal Gallery while the crowd rose to their feet. I was stunned by her grace and beauty . She was the Perfect Queen .

ISinatra was not just a great singer. He was a symbol of American power and wealth , and when I saw him bow in front of the Empress , I realized how great Iran was under the Shah and how the Western world would not have wished to allow that.

IThe concert ended with my favorite song : " My Way " .

Rudaki Hall was a modern opera house and concert hall equipped with the very latest theatrical and electrical devices. The hall was named after the blind 10th century Persian poet, Rudaki . The architect was a Persian American, Dr. Eugene Aftandilian, who studied in Iran. By contrast to the Hall's overpowering vertical exterior, its horseshoe theater within had the cozy, white-and-gold, red-plush air of a 19th century european opera house, complete with two tiers of boxes and gallery above.

IThere were many faces and characters at the Grand Reception, but the most beautiful young lady who stood out from the crowd was "Shahrazad"who was married to a friend of mine by the name of Amdal .
"What are you doing here alone?," Asked Amdal.
"I'm here to see ol' blue eyes . Isn't that why you're here ?" I answered, as we walked up the grand staircase .

(Going back 27 years in time)

November 28th, 1975

The Sinatra Concert