Majid Derakhshani

Majid Derakhshani was born in 1957 in the north Iranian province of Sangesar, and is one of his country’s most important musicians. He studied art, stringed instruments and composition in Teheran, and has made more than 34 albums; he has also played at major festivals outside Iran. He was the founder of the internationally successful Shahnaz Ensemble, and of a centre for Persian music in Cologne. Derakhshani bears the venerable title »Ostad«, denoting him as a master of his instrument. In his compositions he concentrates on the cultivation of classic Persian music, which he mixes at the same time with European influences. As he has been banned from entering Iran or working there owing to his cooperation with female musicians, who are not allowed to appear in public in the country, Derakhshani has since settled in Hamburg.