Kiya Tabassian

Kiya Tabassian is a Montreal-based Iranian-Canadian setar virtuoso, composer, and vocalist celebrated for weaving Persian classical traditions into contemporary global soundscapes. As co-founder of the ensemble Constantinople, he blends medieval, Renaissance, and Middle Eastern influences into poetic collaborations – think Sufi mysticism meets Marco Polo-era cultural exchanges. His recent projects like *In the Footsteps of Rumi* and *Ateş-i Aşk* (Fire of Love) explore spiritual journeys through intricate rhythms and microtonal melodies, while works like *Il Ponte di Leonardo* and *Pilgrimage* reflect his knack for bridging historical narratives with modern improvisation. Whether performing solo on the lute-like setar or leading cross-cultural ensembles, Tabassian’s music feels like a compass pointing to shared human truths across time and borders.

Genres

Sufi

Latest Release

Summer Solstice

Benedicte Maurseth•

Constantinople•

Kiya Tabassian

Single - Released February 7, 2025