Maqam Ensemble

Maqam Ensemble, founded in 2024, is dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of Persian Classical and Folk Music with audiences. Our performances showcase a blend of ancient Persian instruments, including the Ney, Tanbour, and Qanun, accompanied by vocals and percussion. This unique combination draws from the deep roots of Persian musical tradition, offering an authentic experience that resonates with the heart of Persia’s rich musical history.

 

Amir Eslami: Ney & Composer   

Maqām

Is a type of musical classification that has been used throughout various periods in history, including the contemporary era, to categorize Iranian, Turkish, Arabic, and related music (such as Azerbaijani, Turkmen, and Kurdish). The nature and categorization of maqams have not remained constant over time, and there are significant differences between Iranian, Turkish, and Arabic music, although they share many similarities. In the most reputable texts, the number of primary maqams is mentioned as 12 in Iranian music, 13 in Turkish music, and up to 14 in Arabic music.

The theoretical developments in the music of different regions of the Middle East from the 18th to the 20th centuries have led to various classifications of maqams and the formation of different methods for notating them. In Arabic and Turkish music, these developments have been accompanied by rearranging maqams into newer groups, while in Iranian music, the concept of maqam has been replaced by the concept of dastgah.

The term maqam or parde has been used to classify various types of Iranian, Turkish, Arabic, and Azerbaijani music based on their performance structure. A maqam is essentially a collection of melodies organized according to specific, predetermined intervals.

The concept of maqam in the music of these regions is closely related to the concept of mode in ancient Greek music. Some have also linked it to raga in Indian music, pathet in Javanese music, tiao in Chinese music, shu in Japanese music, jo in Korean music, and dieu in Vietnamese music.

 

Sina Hosseini: Tanbour, Voice, Percussion

            

Sina Hosseini
Born in Shiraz, Iran

My interest in music began when I was a young child, and with the support and encouragement of my family, I entered this field.

I started playing the Tombak and Daf during my childhood and began learning the Tanbour and Setar in my teenage years. I am fortunate to have benefited from the teachings of masters such as Pejham Akhavas, Pejman Hadadi, Jahanbakhsh Rostami, Ali Akbar Moradi, and several other esteemed teachers in Shiraz.

Artistic Experience:

  • Teaching and performing with various music ensembles in Shiraz
  • Formation of the Shahroud Music Ensemble
  • Release of the album “Ravan Bar Balhaye Baad” (Float on the Wind’s Wings)

My upcoming albums “Sokoute Siah” (Black Silence) and “Bad_e To” (After You) are currently in progress.

 

Shahin Pourghiasian: Tanbour, Percussion

              

 

Shahin Pourghiasian


Born in 1983
Graduate of Persian Music from the University of Art, Tehran

Instruments:

  • Tar
  • Tanbour
  • Daf

Musical Journey:

Started in 1998
Studied under the guidance of esteemed masters:

  • Tar: Bahram Khani, Houshang Zarif, Fariborz Azizi, Hamid Khabazi
  • Tanbour: Bahram Khani, Seyyed Arash Shahriyari, Taher Yarveysi, Ali Akbar Moradi
  • Daf: Naeem Shahmoradkhani, Hossein Rezaeinia

Teaching Experience:Since 2009 (Iranian Calendar: 1388), taught at Rahab, Payeezan, MehrAyin, and Khonya music institutes.

Performance Experience:

  • Daf player in the Ayeneh Theater Group, directed by Pari Saberi
  • Daf player in the Tanbur Navazan Vaaleh Ensemble
  • Tanbur player in the Apreen Group
  • Tanbur player in the Barbang Ensemble

Saba Jamali
Born in 1990, Tehran, Iran

My musical journey began with the enchanting sounds of the Qanun, an instrument that has since become an extension of my soul. Growing up in the vibrant musical landscape of Tehran, I found my calling as a musician. From adolescence, the Qanun allowed me to express my dreams, joys, and experiences through its melodies.

My formal education in music commenced at Tehran’s sole music school, where I laid the foundation for my skills. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Iranian music execution from the Art University of Tehran & Rasht marked a pivotal moment in my quest for excellence. Under the mentorship of Farokh Mazhari, a maestro of the setar, my understanding of music deepened significantly. I further refined my craft with the guidance of masters like Malihe Saeedi, Parichehr Khaje, and Hossein Mehrani, who unveiled the complexities of the Qanun and the Radif repertoire.

The Music School of Tehran was my haven, where I absorbed invaluable lessons from esteemed instructors such as Mina Oftade, Esmail Tehrani, Mehrbanoo Tofigh, and Arman Norouzi. My studies also encompassed ethnomusicology, solfege, and harmony, enhanced by masterclasses with prominent musicians like Mohsen Hajjarian, Amir Eslami, and Shahla Milani. Through these experiences, I discovered the beauty of Persian musical systems and rhythms, enriching my appreciation of our profound cultural heritage.

My musical explorations extend beyond traditional Iranian music. I’ve collaborated with various ensembles, including Dehlavi’s Great Orchestra, Mahbang Ensemble, Jivar Music Group, and the renowned Hossein Mehrani’s group. A highlight of my career includes creating a Qanun method for children in collaboration with Narges Mehrabi, demonstrating our commitment to education and nurturing young talents.

Performing on stages worldwide—from Kuala Lumpur to New York, Warsaw to Santiago—I’ve shared the essence of Iranian music with diverse audiences, creating connections that transcend borders. With the Rastak music group, I showcased the beauty of Iranian folkloric music at international festivals and concerts, leaving lasting impressions wherever we went.

Throughout my travels, I have had the privilege of performing in numerous countries, including Malaysia, Iraq Kurdistan, Turkey, Poland, Chile, the USA, and Canada. Each experience has enriched my musical palette and expanded my horizons.

I have contributed to various music projects, such as collaborating with Malihe Saeedi on the “Hezar Gisoo” album and participating in “Beyond Eternal Sunshine” and “Bahar” with the Rastak music group. My work also includes film soundtracks like “Finding Faride” and innovative projects such as “Borderless at Home” with Rastak. Beyond music, I delve into sound design as the creative director of SHOLAA STUDIO, crafting immersive experiences for fashion installations.

As a musician and creative spirit, I embrace the uncertainties of the future, eagerly anticipating the harmonious adventures that lie ahead. With the stage set, life continues to play its symphony.