Described by Le Monde as “the most captivating percussionist in classical Persian music,” Madjid Khaladj is internationally recognized as one of the greatest masters of Iranian percussion. This traditional musician and exceptional educator has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the Persian musical heritage.
He taught Iranian percussion at the CEMO (Centre for the Study of Oriental Music) and at the Institute of Musicology at the Sorbonne in Paris. Since 1998, he has been a guest professor at the Academy of Music of the City of Basel (Switzerland) and at the Cité de la Musique in Paris.
Madjid Khaladj has collaborated with numerous leading masters of Persian music as well as international artists. He composed and performed in Hollywood film productions, including collaborations with Ry Cooder and Lisa Gerrard, and worked with Peter Brook on musical compositions based on the texts of Tierno Bokar.
His countless concerts around the world are true musical tableaux; expressive, refined and deeply spiritual. With numerous publications and recordings to his name, Madjid Khaladj continues to explore and share the profound beauty of Persian music, bridging tradition and contemporary creativity.
Workshop Content
- The concept and role of rhythm in Persian music
- Introduction to percussion instruments
- Onomatopoeia exercises based on the structure and rhythms found in poetry
- Oral transmission, practice, and memorization of sequences from various percussion schools
- Improvisation
