Kayhan Kalhor Ensemble

Kayhan Kalhor is one of the greatest names in contemporary Persian classical music. Tonight, this virtuoso on the kamancheh, the Middle Eastern string instrument, brings his enchanting compositions and exciting improvisations to the Kleine Zaal. Together with his Kayhan Kalhor Ensemble, featuring singer Hadi Hosseini and tombak player Niloufar Mohseni among others, he adds a new chapter to the centuries-old Persian musical tradition. Kayhan Kalhor

One of the most famous artists of Persian classical music is Kayhan Kalhor. A five-time Grammy nominee, he is not only a virtuoso on the kamancheh, the Middle Eastern string instrument, but is also known for his exciting improvisations, enchanting compositions, and inspiring collaborations. He has written compositions for Iran's most renowned singers, such as Mohammad Reza Shajarian and Shahram Nazeri, co-founded the famous Dastan Ensemble and Masters of Persian Music, and performed and recorded with Iran's greatest musicians, such as Hossein Alizadeh and Ali Akbar Moradi.

Tradition and innovation

But Kayhan Kalhor does not limit himself to Persian music. His relentless search for new forms of collaboration has brought him into contact with, among others, the Malian kora master Toumani Diabate, the Dutch jazz ensemble Rembrandt Trio, the American Kronos Quartet, and the Turkish saz maestro Erdal Erzincan. With his ensemble, Kayhan Kalhor builds upon hundreds of years of Persian musical tradition and showcases this rich influence through the playing of virtuoso musicians. Alongside Kalhor, the band includes the emerging Persian singer Hadi Hosseini, as well as Niloufar Mohseni on tombak (percussion). The setar player will be announced later.