Biography

Kianoush Khalilian is a Ney player and composer deeply rooted in the traditional Iranian musical landscape. His musical journey began in 1990 under the guidance of master musician Hassan Nahid in Tehran. Kianoush’s skill and dedication were quickly recognized as he clinched the top spot in the nationwide Iranian schools competition for Ney performance just five years into his studies. In 2009, Kianoush took the third spot in the musical composition category at the Iranian Youth Music Festival, showcasing his versatility and creative flair. 

Since then, his Ney has resonated across Asia, Europe, Canada, and the USA, gracing prestigious festivals such as the San Lorenzo Music Festival in Italy, Rencontres musicales de Conques in France, and the Toronto Jazz Music Festival. Throughout his career, Kianoush has collaborated with renowned ensembles, including the JUNO Awards-winning Constantinople Ensemble, The Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM), Opera Canada, and The Canadian Arabic Orchestra (CAO), among many other distinguished groups.

Kianoush’s passion for the Ney goes beyond performance. He dedicated time to studying the instrument’s characteristics, leading to innovative modifications that earned him recognition from the IRAN National House of Music.

In 2023, Kianoush recorded a groundbreaking album in Canada, titled “Fly Again,” a testament to his commitment to showcasing the beauty of the Ney. This project, rooted in traditional Persian modes or “Dastgahs,” introduces listeners to the instrument’s unique sound in a variety of compositions. With a nod to tradition, Kianoush’s album becomes a bridge between cultures, offering Canadians a rare glimpse into the rich heritage of the Ney.

Beyond the stage, Kianoush is a music teacher, sharing his expertise through an instructional book on the Persian Ney, which he wrote and teaches. His dedication to preserving and promoting this ancient art form marks him not only as a musician but as a custodian of cultural heritage. Kianoush also founded his own ensemble in Canada, spreading the enchanting sounds of the Ney to audiences worldwide. As Kianoush Khalilian’s album, “Fly Again,” resonates, he emerges not just as an artist but as a cultural ambassador, enriching the global musical landscape with the soulful notes of the Ney.