The certificate was received by the leader of the performance group, Iranian musician Keikhosro Purnazeri, for their efforts to advance Iranian music and cultural activities, such as introducing Persian Now Ruz celebrations in the United States, said Purnazeri in a statement released Sunday.
Shams Ensemble began touring the US in mid-March, stopping in cities such as Los Angeles, Washington, New York and Chicago for group performances of the tanbur, an Iranian stringed instrument.
In giving the certificate, the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco was honoring their use of a variety of instruments and unique styles in music composition.
