Custodian of Persian musical tradition, the Ensemble Shiraz was founded in Vienna in 1981 by Iranian Khosro Soltani, with the aim of preserving and spreading Persian musical tradition. The group is composed of prestigious Iranian musicians residing in Europe.
The name of the Ensemble refers to Shiraz, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Persia, a key meeting point for trade and cultural exchanges between India, the Mediterranean, and the Arab world. Traditional Persian music is based on a modal system called “dastgah,” whose characteristics are influenced, not surprisingly, by the Indian “raga” and the Arab “maqam.”
The Ensemble Shiraz plays instruments belonging to the culture of their country, such as the “nay” (reed flute), the “surnay” (shawm), the “kamancheh” (a type of bowed string instrument), the “setar” (a long-necked lute with four strings), the “tombak” (drum), and more.
The group has performed at numerous European festivals and events and is internationally recognized for the skill of its musicians.
