Moving from Tehran to Rovaniemi Has Opened the Path to the Stars for Mohammad Riazat

The Voice of Finland 2025 season’s Blind Auditions delivered unforgettable moments when Rovaniemi-based Mohammad Riazat stunned the judges with his breathtaking rendition of Marde Tanha. Locals in Rovaniemi have already been captivated by Mohammad’s remarkable tenor voice when he performed as a soloist in Mozart’s Requiem. But who is he, and how did he end up moving from Iran’s capital to Rovaniemi?

A New Beginning in Finland 

Mohammad Riazat took a major step in his artistic career by securing a spot in the 2025 season of The Voice of Finland. 

"My wife and I moved to Rovaniemi in the fall of 2023 when she was accepted to study Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design at the University of Lapland. We first met in 2010 while studying for our Bachelor of Arts degrees in Tehran," Mohammad shares. 

A Peaceful Life in Rovaniemi 

Mohammad describes his new hometown as a peaceful and serene place to live. 

"This Arctic capital is completely different from my hometown in Iran. Tehran is a beautiful city that I love deeply, home to my family and countless precious memories. However, due to its massive population, heavy traffic, and frequent severe air pollution, life in Tehran is very different. I also deeply hope that one day, everyone in my home country—especially women—will be able to experience true freedom." 

This is the first time Mohammad has lived in a small city surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and magical sky colors. 

"I love how easy it is to get around by foot or bike here. Especially if you live near the city center, you barely need a car." 

Currently, Mohammad works as a tour guide at Apukka Resort while continuing his Finnish language studies. 

"I believe that learning the language is essential for truly integrating into Finnish society. At the same time, I’m searching for a permanent job that better matches my skills and passions. In any case, I love Rovaniemi and feel more at home here than in big cities." 

My Musical Journey in Finland 

Music has always been Mohammad’s greatest passion. Although he worked as a creative director in advertising agencies, he simultaneously performed in musical theater productions as an actor and singer. 

"Just a week after moving to Rovaniemi, I discovered the Seitakuoro choir online and decided to audition. It was my first experience singing in Finland, and I am truly grateful for the warm welcome. The choir members are not only talented singers but also wonderful people," he praises. 

Mohammad also had the opportunity to perform as a tenor soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, which was presented in the churches of Rovaniemi and Tornio. 

"I am deeply grateful to conductor Sari Alakulppi for trusting me with this role. And it’s amazing that I will get to perform Requiem once more with a grand choir and orchestra in Rovaniemi in October 2025," he says excitedly. 

Dreams for the Future 

Participating in The Voice of Finland opens up exciting opportunities for Mohammad to connect with other musicians and build meaningful friendships in his new hometown. 

"My biggest dream is to work in musical theater and release an album of my own music, sharing my art with audiences. I want to perform in the spirit of peace and love. I hope The Voice of Finland supports me on this journey, helps me grow as an artist, and allows me to take significant steps toward making my dream a reality." 

*This article has been tranlated with artificial intelligence