Thu Jul 20 21:30
Amir Amiri Ensemble
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
More Concerts
Festival 2023
Experience five spectacular programs on our Signature Series, featuring large-scale collaborations between world-renowned musicians at Ottawa’s Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. The 2023 Signature Series is generously sponsored by Bytek Volkswagen & Carling Volvo.
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This series celebrates Canada’s world-class standard in chamber performance, featuring core string ensembles, solo piano, brass and vocal ensembles, and more! Taking place at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, these concerts are generously supported by Marina Kun (of Ottawa-based and internationally loved Kun Shoulder Rests).
Our Chamber Chats: Festival Edition features interactive interviews with festival musicians both online and in person.
Held within Ottawa’s historic and beautiful Beechwood Cemetery, the Beechwood Series features performances that lend themselves to reflection and contemplation, both in its beloved Sacred Space and on the expansive grounds. The Beechwood Series is made possible with the generous support of Beechwood Cemetery
Eclectic programming resonates against a backdrop of vinyl, vintage speakers, and reel-to-reel at legendary music destination and beloved Wellington staple, The Record Centre. Here, artists are at play: exploring and expanding their creativity in this casual space.
Seating will not be available.
This summer, our festival offers a rich selection of online content broadcast live from Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre in Ottawa.
Chamberfest’s Community Engagement and Education pillar (CEE) engages community members of all ages through a diverse range of meaningful music experiences. Whether on stage, online, or on the streets, CEE changes lives through music.
