Amir Amiri

Santur player, composer, and cultural inventor Amir Amiri dwells at the centre of a unique musical universe where ancient inspiration, dazzling virtuosity, and bold creativity meet. Born in Tehran, Iran, Amiri is a master of the santur, a 72-string instrument dating from approximately 500 BCE. Surrounding himself with outstanding collaborators from the worlds of jazz, classical and world music, Amiri fearlessly transcends genres and borders, exquisitely transporting his ancient instrument into the musical conversations of our time. 

Discover a mesmerizing solo performance as the hammers delicately wander across the trapezoid box zither exploring tradition, woven with his Amiri’s fresh ideas.  

Since arriving in Canada in 1996, Amiri has created numerous groundbreaking ensembles including the Amir Amiri Ensemble, inspired by the fluidity of musical influences in Iran and featuring the hypnotic presence of a Whirling Dervish; and Ensemble Kimya, a Montreal-Paris collaboration, combining early classical and contemporary music from Europe, the Middle East and India. Perséides, his duo with double bass player Jean Félix Mailloux, was featured at the National Arts Centre’s Sounds of Persia: Canada’s New Music Masters in 2018, where Amiri was Artistic Director. His ensemble was showcased WOMEX 2021 in Porto, Portugal.  

Amir Amiri was awarded the 2003 CBC Artist of the Year from the Galaxie Rising Stars Program. He performs and tours with a vast spectrum of ensembles, enchanting with his signature down-to-earth style and profound connection with audiences. 

Supporting tonight, percussionist Naghmeh Farahmand grew up at her father’s elbow learning the tonbak, and eventually the daf. She has performed around the globe, including Germany, Switzerland, Japan (Min-On Festival), France (La Fête de la Musique), Italy, Kuwait (Women Festival), Austria, England, and North America. She has toured with Iranian, Western classical, and world music ensembles including Toronto’s world-renowned Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra.