Carnegie Hall Commissions - About the Composer: Kayhan Kalhor

Kayhan Kalhor is an internationally acclaimed kemancheh virtuoso. Born in Tehran, Iran, he began his musical studies at age seven. At 13, he was invited to work with the National Orchestra of Radio and Television of Iran, where he performed for five years. At 17, he began working with the Shayda Ensemble of the prestigious Chavosh Cultural Center. Mr. Kalhor has traveled throughout Iran, studying the music of its regions. He studied Western Classical music at Rome’s Santa Cecilia School of Music and at Carleton University in Ottawa. A composer of works for Iran’s most renowned vocalists, Mr. Kalhor has also performed with Iran’s greatest masters and toured the world as a soloist and ensemble member.