The Amir Amiri Ensemble is an ensemble of virtuoso musicians from the Persian tradition: Amir Amiri (santur), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), Reza Abaee (ghaychak), Omar Abu Afech (Viola), and Hamin Honari (percussion). Inspired by the diversity and fluidity of the many musical influences of Iran, the Amir Amiri Quartet creates an engaging and distinctive sound fusing the refinement of traditional and spiritual Persian music with folkloric and modern elements. In seeking to expand the boundaries of these musical traditions, balancing heritage and innovation, they find that the possibilities are limitless. In the eclectic musical universe of Amir Amiri Ensemble, borders are abolished to make way for bewitching alchemy, a mystical conversation between these kindred-spirit musicians. 

Joueur de santour, compositeur et inventeur culturel, Amir Amiri vit au centre d’un univers musical unique où se rencontrent inspiration ancienne, virtuosité éblouissante et créativité audacieuse. S’entourant de collaborateurs exceptionnels issus des mondes du jazz, de la musique classique et de la musique mondiale, Amiri transcende sans crainte les genres et les frontières, transportant de manière exquise son instrument ancien dans les conversations musicales de notre époque.

L’Ensemble Amir Amiri est un groupe de musiciens virtuoses issus de la tradition persane : Amir Amiri (santour), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), Reza Abaee (gheychak), Omar Abu Afech (alto) et Hamin Honari (percussions). Inspiré par la diversité et la fluidité des nombreuses influences musicales de l’Iran, l’ensemble Amir Amiri crée un son engageant et distinctif qui fusionne le raffinement de la musique persane traditionnelle et spirituelle avec des éléments folkloriques et modernes. En cherchant à repousser les limites de ces traditions musicales, en équilibrant l’héritage et l’innovation, ils découvrent que les possibilités sont illimitées. Dans l’univers musical éclectique de l’Ensemble Amir Amiri, les frontières sont abolies pour faire place à une alchimie envoûtante – une conversation mystique entre ces musiciens à l’esprit bienveillant.

Visit Amir Amiri Ensemble’s Media Resources page to see more performance videos, read interviews, and more!

Comprised of musicians who settled in Montreal between the summer of 2019 and 2020, these three musicians discovered the city through a peculiar lens – the COVID-19 pandemic. As closures and uncertainties permeated their lives, their relationship with each other was one of the first they formulated in the city. Thus, it was a formative one, forged in an exceptionally difficult period.

The repertoire “Les Arrivants” has developed mirrors the trial and tribulations of their resettlement. The concert program starts with Amijai Shalev’s composition “The Arrival,” which tracks the highs and lows of the resettlement experience. From there, it moves on to “Home” by Hamin Honari, which describes the nostalgia and longing for the places and people they left and the renewed search for the comforts they brought us. From there, the program develops into “Neige De Printemps” by Amijai Shalev, which describes a Montreal staple and a “surprise” that never ought to surprise – the snow of spring. Moving on, the program proceeds to “Basmah (Smile)” by Abdul-Wahab Kayyali, a reflection of the joys brought about from seeing friendly and familiar faces in times of great uncertainty and turmoil. Lastly, the program ends with “Burkan (Volcano)” by Abdul-Wahab Kayyali, which describes anger and protest at the global injustices and inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.

All the compositions were written by members of “Les Arrivants” between the fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021. Hence, they reflect the growth and maturation of the group’s musical bond, which was nurtured through two fellowships at Montreal’s Centre Des Musiciens Du Monde. They are all informed by the traditions the instrumentalists have mastered throughout their careers, but equally and more importantly, reflect the musical possibilities that can only emerge out of a cosmopolitan center such as Montreal.