Melbourne-Based World Music ensemble TORANJ blends the music and instrumentation of Persia, India and the West. The ensemble presents some of Melbourne’s finest World Music artists performing intricate, original music with a subtle and exciting mix of cultural influences. Their music traces the sonic journey of the musicians from Persia, through India to Australia.

Tar and Oud - Reza Kashi
Tombak - Parham Kebria
Santoor - Hamidreza Khishavand

Sam Evans - Tabla and Percussion
Helen Mountfort  - 'Cello
Farzane Pezeshki - Voice, Persian Avaz

Toranj presents some of Melbourne’s finest Persian musicians in music that traverses the exquisite music of Persia and contemporary world music. Their concerts trace the sonic journey of the musicians from Persia, through India to Australia. 

​Featuring a changing profile of world music artists led by  Reza Kashi (tar and oud) and Sam Evans (tabla and percussion). Featured artists include Parham Kebria (tombak), Farzane Pezeshki (voice - Persian Avaz), Hamidreza Khishavand (santoor), Balvinder Singh (sitar), Subramanya Sastry (bansuri),  Helen Mountfort ('cello) Nagar Ahmadinik (Kamanche).
 
Toranj music opens with the exquisite music of Persia. Key figures and motives in the music depict a modern perspective of traditional Persian music. Telling stories from thousands of years of Persian history, the music is about the people’s happiness, grief and joy.

In developing the music, tabla player Sam Evans along with a variety of world music artists introduce Indian, Western and World Music themes to the music that reflects today’s changing world. This music explores and celebrates the differences and similarities between the musical traditions of Persia, India and the West.

Reza Kashi - tar and oud
Initiated his music career from 1998 in Iran, Reza Kashi plays setar, tar and oud. Praised for his virtuosity, he has received state and national level awards and was awarded the second rank tar soloist in the biggest solo competition in Iran. Migrating to Australia in 2017, Reza is a sought after musician who works with a variety of Middle Eastern, Western and Australian ensembles.

Parham Kebria - tombak
Parham Kebria began studying Tombak through the well-known works of Hossein Tehrani and Bahman Rajabi in Iran at the age of 10. After studying with several Masters from various styles, he became a student of Maestro Farbod Yadollahi. He regularly performs in variety of ensembles for music festivals across Iran. He now pursues his musical career in Toranj Art Centre, in Melbourne, Australia.

Hamidreza Khishavand - santoor
Hamidreza started learning santoor at the age of 13. He continued his music journey with several teachers including Mr Movahednia in Amol. He later studied with the well-known Maestro Majid Kiani before migrating to Australia. He has many times performed concerts in Iran and in 2010, received 2nd place at a national level Persian music competition.

Sam Evans - tabla and percussion
Sam Evans is a contemporary Australian musician and tabla player who works as performer, composer, educator in Melbourne. Following many years of training in India, he  is a regular international performer of both traditional Indian music and contemporary world music. He composes music for film and documentaries, is the founding director of the Melbourne Tabla School and holds a PhD in tabla.

Farzane Pezeshki - Vocals
Farzane’s vocals in Persian and Turkish add a sweetness and delicateness to the Toranj ensemble. Known for her mastery of the Persian Avaz, her musical presence is flowing, artistic and moving.

Helen Mountfort - 'cello
Helen Mountfort is a classically trained 'cellist and composer who works with Australian bands Not drowning, waving, and My Friend the Chocolate Cake. She has regular national and international touring dates as well as composing and performing with world music ensembles Cosmo Cosmolino, and Fine Blue Thread. She has written for theatre, film and TV and enjoyed extensive international touring with dancer Ros Warby.