Shur (شور) is a new Persian classical music ensemble based in Sydney. The vision of leading composer and improviser Hamed Sadeghi, Shur applies a contemporary lens to one of the world’s great musical traditions. Spanning regions from Mazandaran in the north to Lorestan in the west, and from Kurdish to Khorasani traditions, the project traverses geographies, dialects, and musical lineages, anchored by archetypal Persian instrumentation: the tar (Hamed Sadeghi), kamancheh (Sina Bastami), and tombak (Amirsalar Makhzani). Meanwhile, vocalist Ramin Etemadzadeh takes up the mantle from the legendary Iranian singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian, with whom he studied extensively. The name Shur carries a double meaning in Farsi: it refers to a dastgāh (modal system) that has shaped much of the Persian repertoire (the radif), while also evoking a sense of passion and intensity—qualities that emerge in the act of improvisation, a cornerstone of Persian music. For Sadeghi, the project represents the resilience of a centuries-old oral tradition, enduring even in a world gone awry.

About Hamed Sadeghi
Hamed Sadeghi is an Iranian-Australian composer, tar virtuoso, and bandleader based on Gadigal land (Sydney). He is the founder of the ARIA-nominated Eishan Ensemble, whose music draws on Persian classical traditions while engaging deeply with contemporary jazz and improvised music practices. His work is known for its distinctive synthesis of modal, melodic Persian forms with harmonic and structural elements of Western music, creating a highly personal compositional voice.

Described by John Shand of The Sydney Morning Herald as “one of Australia’s most poetic composers,” Sadeghi has performed his original projects at major festivals and venues including the London Jazz Festival, Rome Jazz Festival, Womad, Auckland Arts Festival, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Recital Centre, and more.

Beyond his ensemble work, Sadeghi has composed extensively for theatre, dance, and film, with commissions from leading companies such as Belvoir Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, and Sydney Film Festival. His recent projects include Northern Rhapsody (2025), released internationally on ACEL Productions, and Convergence (2026), recorded and released by ABC Classic, exploring the dialogue between Persian and Western classical traditions.

Sadeghi’s work continues to push the boundaries of intercultural composition, bringing together diverse musical languages through a deeply expressive and improvisation-driven approach.

About Ramin Etemadzadeh
Ramin Etemadzadeh is a Persian classical vocalist rooted in the tradition of Radif and Avaz. Born in Sari, Iran, he began his musical journey with the setar and first studied Radif under Ahmad Mohsenpour.

He later continued his vocal training with distinguished masters including Mohammadreza Shajarian, Hamidreza Nourbakhsh, and Mohammad Reza Lotfi, shaping a style that blends tradition with personal expression.

Now based in Sydney, he performs in concerts and cultural programs, sharing the depth and subtlety of Persian classical music while continuing his work as a dedicated vocal instructor.

About Sina Bastami

Sina Bastami is an Iranian kamancheh player based in Sydney, Australia. He began his musical journey at the age of ten and has since devoted over three decades to the study and performance of Persian traditional music.

Originally from Khorramabad in Lorestan, a region where the kamancheh holds a deeply rooted cultural significance, Sina’s musical identity is profoundly shaped by the sounds and stories of his homeland. In Lorestan, the kamancheh is more than an instrument—it is a voice of the mountains, echoing through oak forests and carrying the emotions of love, longing, joy, and sorrow. Its sound is woven into the spirit of the people, resonating through generations as an inseparable part of life and tradition.

Sina trained in Iran and learned classical radif and Persian vocal music with masters such as Ahmad Marahemi, Ardeshir Kamkar, and Ali Akbar Shekarchi. These experiences have shaped his playing style, combining strong technique with deep feeling.

Throughout his career, he has performed in numerous concerts and has been recognized with top awards in Iranian traditional and folk music festivals. His playing reflects both a mastery of the instrument and a sincere connection to the cultural heritage it represents.

Now based in Sydney for the past three years, he continues to share the expressive voice of the kamancheh with diverse audiences, creating a bridge between the rich traditions of Persian music and the global stage.

About Amirsalar Makhzani
Amirsalar Makhzani is a percussion player. His style comes from old spiritual traditions in Iran. He started learning music from a young age, especially in Dervish ceremonies with rhythm and movement. Now, he also works in the IT industry and has a leadership role, so he has both a modern and traditional side.

In his performance, you can see this mix clearly. He plays with discipline, but also with deep feeling and energy from Persian mystic culture. As a member of Dela Ensemble, he plays instruments like Daf and Tombak. With these, he creates sounds that connect old traditions with today’s world.

Inspired by Hafez, who believed music is a language beyond time, Amirsalar brings strong rhythm to the performance and helps create a deep and meaningful atmosphere.