Amir Amiri

The Amir Amiri Ensemble collapse time with their blend of tradition and innovation. With dazzling virtuosity, the quartet take inspiration from their Persian musical roots while transcending borders and genres. In creating musical conversations with the past and present, the Amir Amir Ensemble explore the limitless creativity that abounds amongst its master musicians: Amir Amiri (santur), Abdul-Wahad Khayyali (oud), Reza Abaee (ghaychak), Omar Abu Afech (viola), and Hamin Honari (percussion).

CBC Recording Artist of the year Amir Amiri is a composer and champion of the santur, a 72-string hammered dulcimer that dates back to 500 BCE. Born in Tehran and now based in Montreal, Amiri has established himself as a fearless cultural innovator, collaborating with jazz, classical, and avant-garde musicians, dancers, and theatre artists. In his hands, he deftly weaves the classical and folk music of pre-Islamic Persia with today’s sonic possibilities.

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Programmed by Chan Centre Director T. Patrick Carrabré