Kayhan Kalhor

Iran
Jazz Classical Middle East
Kayhan Kalhor

Kayhan Kalhor is an acclaimed master on the kamancheh (spiked fiddle) and also an outstanding virtuoso on the setar (long-necked lute). He’s been a key figure in popularizing Persian traditional music around the world and is a creative force in today’s music scene. His performances and multiple collaborations with both traditional and contemporary musicians have attracted audiences around the globe in some of the best concert halls. Kalhor is an important member and composer of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and was awarded a Grammy in 2017 for that, besides three other nominations with his own projects. ECM has released 3 albums with Kayhan Kalhor and the latest one (2013) features one of Kalhor’s favourite projects, a duo with Baglama player Erdal Erzincan. His most recent release is “It’s still autumn” a beautiful record with Rembrandt Frerichs Trio.

Born in Tehran, Iran, he began his musical studies at the age of seven. At thirteen, he was invited to work with the National Orchestra of Radio and Television of Iran, where he performed for five years. When he was seventeen he began working with the Shayda Ensemble of the Chavosh Cultural Center, the most prestigious arts organization in Iran at the time. He has traveled extensively throughout Iran, studying the music of its many regions, in particular those of Khorason and Kordestan.

Kayhan Kalhor has toured the world as a soloist with various ensembles and orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de Lyon. He is co-founder of the renowned ensembles Dastan and Masters of Persian Music. Kalhor has composed works for Iran’s most renowned vocalists Mohammad Reza Shajarian and Shahram Nazeri and has also performed and recorded with Iran’s greatest instrumentalists. He has composed music for television and film and was featured on the soundtrack of Francis Ford Copolla’s Youth Without Youth in a score that he collaborated on with Osvaldo Golijov

Kayhan is an original member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project for whom he continues to compose for and tour with. His compositions appear on all of the Ensemble’s albums. His most recent albums include Silent City, collaboration with Brooklyn Rider, and I Will Not Stand Alone with santoor player Ali Bahrami Fard. Kayhan has been nominated for three Grammys and in 2017 was awarded a Grammy with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2017).

Videos
  • Kayhan Kahlor | Live at WOMEX 19
    Kayhan Kahlor | Live at WOMEX 19
  • Kayhan Kalhor- June 4, 2022- Vancouver  بداهه نوازی سه تار: کیهان کلهر ‌و کیا طبسیان-ونکوور، کانادا
    Kayhan Kalhor- June 4, 2022- Vancouver بداهه نوازی سه تار: کیهان کلهر ‌و کیا طبسیان-ونکوور، کانادا
  • Lost in the Desert Sky - Kashan, Iran - گمشده در آسمان کویر - کاشان، ایران
    Lost in the Desert Sky - Kashan, Iran - گمشده در آسمان کویر - کاشان، ایران
  • Kayhan Kalhor & Toumani Diabaté live at Morgenland Festival Osnabrück
    Kayhan Kalhor & Toumani Diabaté live at Morgenland Festival Osnabrück
  • تک‌نوازیِ سه‌تار کیهان کلهر در موزهٔ آبگینه | Kayhan Kalhor - Setar Solo
    تک‌نوازیِ سه‌تار کیهان کلهر در موزهٔ آبگینه | Kayhan Kalhor - Setar Solo
  • Daldalan Bari - Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor & Rembrandt trio
    Daldalan Bari - Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor & Rembrandt trio
  • Bebek - Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor & Rembrandt trio
    Bebek - Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor & Rembrandt trio
  • Felek - Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor & Rembrandt trio
    Felek - Erdal Erzincan, Kayhan Kalhor & Rembrandt trio
Images
  • Kayhan KalhorKayhan Kalhor Kayhan Kalhor Kayhan Kalhor
Press
If the music hasn’t hooked you by this point seek professional help [...]
World Music Central, 10.04.2019
This was an intense, memorable and almost exhaustingly emotional set.
The Guardian, 06.11.2014
Experimentalism is always more rewarding when it leads to resounding emotional depth, and this is as good an example as you'll find of a group of musicians achieving that ideal balance.
Pitchfork, 01.23.2009
...a transcendent performance of stellar virtuosity and relentless spirituality.
All About Jazz, 09.08.2013
In dieser Musik kann man sich auf wunderbare Weise verlieren.
Jazz Thing, 07.08.2019
Discography
The Sky Is The Same Colour Everywhere
The Sky Is The Same Colour Everywhere
2023
Real World Records
Blue as the Turquoise Night
Blue as the Turquoise Night
2021
Bright Shiny Things
It's Still Autumn
It's Still Autumn
2019
Kepera records
Hawniyaz
Hawniyaz
2016
Kula Kulluk Yakişir Mi
Kula Kulluk Yakişir Mi
2013
ECM
Silent City
Silent City
2008
World Village
The Wind
The Wind
2006
ECM Records
Line up
Solo

Kayhan Kalhor - kamancheh + percussion

Duo

Kayhan Kalhor - kamancheh
Toumani Diabaté - kora

OR
Kayhan Kalhor - kamancheh
Erdal Erzincan - baglama

OR
Kayhan Kalhor - setar
Kiya Tabassian - setar

Quartet

Quartet: Kayhan Kalhor - kamancheh

Rembrandt Frerichs Trio
Rembrandt Frerichs - piano
Tony Overwater - violone/bass
Vinsent Planjer - drums

Availability

Territories:

Europe

2024 all year
2025 all year
Contact
Frank Abraham
Frank Abraham
Managing Director, Head of A&R Global Pop Music, Booking Agent
fa@f-cat.de / +49 30 26 103 29 20

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