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 2024 Signature Series is generously sponsored by Bytek Volkswagen & Carling Volvo.
Concerts immersed in Beechwood’s history and beauty, from its beloved sanctuary to the expansive grounds, complemented by the serene hours of the early morning.
These performances are outdoors. You will need to bring your own seating and weather protection if desired.
Sunrise Concerts are made possible with the generous support of Beechwood Cemetery.
New Music Now is a celebration of the breadth and vitality of today’s new classical culture. Explore the sonic range of today’s most creative musical minds at Chamberfest’s annual miniseries.
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.
Our late-night Chamberfringe concerts cross genres and art forms, pushing the boundaries of chamber music with daring and electric performances. Offering everything from lively Arabic jazz to Middle Eastern-Metal fusion, Indigenous beats, and ambient chamber-electronica to Yiddish folk song, or a full-on Ukrainian-Celtic-Arab mashup, there’s always something fresh to check out!
Our Chamberfringe shows take place at La Nouvelle Scène, Club SAW, and The Gladstone Theatre, providing a more casual setting where audiences can enjoy beverages and immerse themselves in the buzzing late-night atmosphere.
Fourteen-day Chamberfest 2021 passholders can exclusively enjoy musical experiences – from full-length concerts to bite-sized adventures – featuring Chamberfriends in Berlin, Paris, New York City, and North Macedonia. Including Hinrich Alpers, Quatuor Danel, Rob Kapilow, Lara St. John, and Simon Trpčeski.
The Live From… series is digital-only content, part of your Festival Livestream Pass and available in the Livestream Library until August 6. Single ticket access to Hinrich Alpers Live from Hanover and Quatuor Danel Live from Antwerp will be available in July, with the generous support of the Embassy of Germany and the Embassy of France. All digital content from Simon Trpčeski, Rob Kapilow, and Lara St. John is exclusive for Festival Livestream Passholders.
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
Celebrate the piano at the home of our longtime partners, Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.
The Steinway Series is made possible with the generous support of the Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.
Get out into the open air with various festival performers for al fresco concerts in downtown Ottawa.
These performances are outdoors. Seating will be limited, and you may need to bring your own weather protection if desired.
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.
