Kourosh Taghavi
Kourosh Taghavi is a master of the setar, a prolific composer, and a teacher of Persian classical music. Based in San Diego since 1984, he has studied under the tutelage of the world-renowned virtuosi Mohammad Reza Lotfi and Hossein Alizadeh. Taghavi’s passionate and melodic approach to music is the foundation of his many collaborations and recordings with numerous artists, performing both traditional and modern forms of Iranian music.

Kourosh is also a founding member of Namaad Ensemble, with which he has toured throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. He has collaborated with renowned master artists and performed for prestigious cultural organizations such as the Konya Mystic Music Festival (Turkey), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the Carlsbad and Del Mar Music festivals.

Pejman Hadadi
Pejman Hadadi is a highly innovative Iranian percussionist renowned for his expertise in tombak and daf, traditional Persian percussion instruments. His musical journey began at the age of 10 under the guidance of the masters Assadollah Hejazi and Bahman Rajabi. Immigrating to the US in 1989, Hadadi embarked on a professional career in 1991, collaborating with various ensembles and ultimately joining the acclaimed Dastan Ensemble in 1995. In 2000, he co-founded ZARBANG, the first Iranian percussion ensemble, which received international recognition.

Hadadi’s collaborations extend globally, including performances with renowned musicians and exploration of rhythms from diverse cultures. His distinct contributions to tombak playing include innovative techniques and the creation of custom frame drums. Notable achievements include a collaboration with REMO, enhancing the popularity of the daf worldwide. 

Saeed Kamjoo
Saeed Kamjoo, a skilled composer and kamanche player, adeptly merges tradition with innovation in his music. While deeply rooted in Persian classical music, Kamjoo explores new realms, uncovering fresh possibilities in his kamanche playing. He trained rigorously under masters like A. Kamkar, A. Shekarchi, and Ustad A. Bahari.

Having graduated from the University of Tehran, he delved into the study of old Persian musical manuscripts and ancient rhythmic modes. Kamjoo has showcased his talents in international festivals across North America and Europe, including appearances at Sound Symposium in Canada and Sacra Musica Festival in Germany. 

Special thanks to our 2024 Ambassador Sponsor, RAHD Group.

Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.