Amir Vahab

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MySpace LayoutsThe New York Times calls him "Ambassador for a Silenced Music".Amir Alan Vahab is one of New York’s most celebrated and distinguished composer / vocalists of Persian sacred and folk music. He sings in the traditional Persian style, which embodies millennia of the theoretical and mystical traditions of the ancient land of Iran. He has spent more than three decades perfecting his skills under the instruction of some of the most renowned and legendary masters of Persian music.From a very young age, Amir Vahab knew that music would be his life-long passion. Born in Tehran, Iran, he began his vocal studies at the age of four, and later he was learning his first instrument, the delicate and ancient Persian tanbur. By his late teens, Amir Vahab was already an accomplished musician on such instruments as the setar, tar, ney and the daf. His dedication to music pushed him further to focus his time and energy in perfecting the Chogur.Leaving Tehran in 1976 and moving first to London and then to Paris allowed Amir to both expand his education and his awareness of universal spiritual dimensions in music. After completing his degree in Linguistics at the University of Paris, he moved to Switzerland to study horology and jewelry design. In 1981, Amir Vahab moved to his current home of New York City. Here in New York, he established himself definitively as a professional musician, both in live shows and in recording studios. He has played before audiences ranging from select private shows to crowds of 6,000 people. In addition, he has composed eclectic music for theatre and film, and performed for Iranian-American Television and several world-music radio stations in the United States. His performances have been recognized world wide and have inspired many music students to appreciate the classical delicacy of the unique sounds created by the mystical instruments that he has mastered. Today, Amir has six albums to his credit, for many of which he is the composer as well as singer and player.In his work, Amir Vahab tries first of all to illustrate the beauty of Iranian traditional music, which he believes is part of the global heritage, and needs to be both taught and preserved. Secondly, he has also attempted to take new approaches to traditional works in order to attract the young generation of music enthusiasts - a venture which has proven most successful.Amir Vahab is currently studying western music and researching ethnomusicology. By becoming familiar with western music and the works of major composers and performers, he aims to enhance his own works and creations. Amir feels a dialogue between civilizations is emerging in his work, which allows a comparative perspective between Middle Eastern and Western music traditions, both classic and modern. Amir Vahab believes that the possibility of cross-fertilization exists, from which both traditions can benefit.“Music should be so powerful such that one is powerlessly dragged to the unknown. It should invade the listener’s mind to the point of losing awareness.” -Amir Vahab