Santur player, composer, and cultural inventor Amir Amiri has spent his decades-long career exploring the limits of his music – and keeps coming to the conclusion that there are none.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Amiri is a master of the santur, a 72-string instrument dating from circa 500 BCE that is an integral part of classical and folk music in both pre-Islamic Persia and the modern-day Middle East. Amir seeks to bring this ancient instrument into today’s musical conversations, engaging across borders and transcending genres. Dazzlingly virtuosic and with a keen imagination, Amir creates an enchanting and unique musical universe with every performance.

The Amir Amiri Ensemble is a group of virtuoso musicians from the Persian tradition. Inspired by the diversity and fluidity of the many musical influences of Iran, the ensemble 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, the members have discovered 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. Don’t miss this trip around the world as the Amir Amiri Ensemble brings a breath of Persia to the Capital with their Chamberfest debut.

• Amir Amiri Ensembleensemble