Santur player (a 72-stringed instrument dating back to about 500 BC), composer and cultural bridge-builder, Amir Amiri presents his unique musical world that combines sources of inspiration from ancient times with his audacious creativity and virtuosity. Joined by jazz, classical and world music musicians, Amir Amiri crosses genres and borders, bringing his ancient instrument into the musical conversations of our times.
Amir Amiri has been touring since 1996. In 2021, he played at events such as the Vares Classics Festival (Bosnia, September), Détours de Babel (France) and WOMEX 2021 (Portugal, October). During this time, he has also worked with numerous ensembles.
He founded the Amir Amiri Ensemble, which is inspired by the fluidity of musical influences in Iran and characterised by the hypnotic presence of a whirling dervish and The Ensemble Kimya, a collaboration between Montreal and Paris that combines classical and contemporary music from Europe, the Middle East and India.
Playing as a duo with double bassist Jean Félix Mailloux, he presented Perseides as part of the National Arts Centre's Sounds of Persia: Canada's New Music Masters in 2018, where he was also artistic director. His duo Moody Amiri with violist Richard Moody was praised by the CBC for its "captivating blend of Eastern and Western sensibilities." He is also sometimes joined by jazz pianist Jean-Michel Pilc for evenings of musical exploration and discovery.
Amir Amiri (Iran) is recipient of the Cité internationale des arts Music Committee.