Majid Derakhshani is an acclaimed Iranian musician. He was born into a family of artists from the Iranian province Semnan. During his studies of string instruments and composition at the University of Teheran, the legendary Mohammad Reza Lotfi became his teacher. Subsequent to his emigration to Germany he founded the “Nawa Musikzentrum” in Cologne; the primary and most active center for Persian music outside of Iran. In Iran itself Majid Derakhshani is deemed to be amongst the best on his instrument – the tar. Hence he carries the venerable title “Ostad”, denoting him as a “master of his instrument”. His virtuosity has been celebrated worldwide in festivals, concerts, radio and television productions. Moreover, he has composed for myriads of international musicians, such as the greatly renowned Iranian Singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian (Album “Dar Khial”). Majid’s declared ambition is to familiarize western culture with Iranian classical music. He views himself as an ambassador of these magnificently mystical melodies which themselves lead dynamic lives of their own where change is certain and compulsory. Thus, a novel musical style developed, that spices oriental music with European elements. The subliminal magic of his harmonies enthrall unswervingly, enchanting people of all ages. Especially in a time replete with one-dimensional and superficial stimulation, this music may serve to enlighten us. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.