Kayhan Kalhor is a distinguished Iranian musician and a virtuoso on the kamancheh, a traditional bowed string instrument. Born in 1963 in Tehran, Kalhor began his musical journey at the age of seven and has since become a formidable figure in the world of Persian classical music and beyond. He received his musical training in Tehran and later at the Rome Conservatory of Santa Cecilia and Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. His musical genius lies not only in his profound understanding of Persian classical repertoire but also in his innovative improvisations and blending of traditional sounds with modern sensibilities.

Kalhor is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed ensemble Ghazal and has performed with the Silk Road Project, an initiative founded by Yo-Yo Ma to foster cross-cultural musical dialogues. Throughout his career, Kalhor has collaborated with an array of artists, spanning diverse genres and cultural backgrounds. His versatility is evident in his discography which is rich with collaborations as well as solo compositions. His most recent releases like "The Sky Is the Same Colour Everywhere", "Khatoon", and "Blue as the Turquoise Night" showcase his continuous exploration and expansion of his musical horizons, touching upon themes of cultural intersection and fusion.

A multiple Grammy nominee, Kalhor has been honored with the prestigious Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Artist-in-Residence distinction, and he continues to enchant global audiences through his soulful and contemplative music. His works often reflect the political and social landscape of the Middle East, and his compositions serve as a bridge, linking the emotions and experiences of his audiences regardless of their origin. Kayhan Kalhor remains a poignant and respected figure in the world of world music, dedicated to the transmission and transformation of the traditional music of Iran.

Genres

Oriental Classical

Persian Neo-traditional

Persian Traditional

Latest Release

The Sky Is the Same Colour Everywhere

Kayhan Kalhor•

Toumani Diabaté

Album - 9 Tracks - Released May 5, 2023