Ensemble

The “SAMA” Ensemble was founded in 1994 by Ali Pirabi together with Hamid Beik Mohammadi in Shiraz and represents the origin of all current SAMA projects. Since its foundation, the ensemble has been dedicated to the performance, preservation, and development of Iranian music and the regional musical traditions of Iran. The first musical activities began with a small group of musicians rehearsing, arranging, and performing Persian music together. The earliest rehearsals featured Hamid Beik Mohammadi on the setar and Ali Pirabi on the santur. Over the years, the ensemble developed into an artistic collective deeply engaged with the many musical traditions of Iran — from classical Persian art music to the regional music of Iran’s diverse ethnic cultures. The “SAMA” Ensemble sees music as a living cultural expression and creates a space for artistic collaboration, musical research, and cultural exchange. Throughout the years, many musicians from different cultural backgrounds who share an interest in Persian music have collaborated with the ensemble. Today, the “SAMA” Ensemble continues to be an important part of SAMA while also serving as the artistic foundation for projects such as the “SAMA” Orchestra and the “SAMA” Choir.