On March 2nd, the Escuela SUR will hold a new edition of OFF SUR, an open event that invites prominent figures from the world of culture to share their artistic experiences with students and other interested members of the public. This time, the Iranian-Canadian musician, composer, and cultural inventor Amir Amiri will headline this event organized by el Círculo de Bellas Artes in collaboration with the Canada Foundation. Amiri will recount her life and career journey in a chat, followed by a concert in which Amiri will perform several works with the santur, an ancient 72-string instrument that dates back to approximately 500 BC

Amir Amiri lives at the heart of a unique musical universe where ancient inspiration, dazzling virtuosity, and bold creativity converge. Surrounding himself with distinguished collaborators from jazz, classical, and world music, Amiri fearlessly transcends genres and borders, exquisitely bringing his ancient instrument into the musical conversations of our time.

Since arriving in Canada in 1996, Amiri (Tehran, Iran) has created numerous innovative musical groups, including the Amir Amiri Ensemble, inspired by the fluidity of Iranian musical influences and featuring the hypnotic presence of a dervish; and Ensemble Kimya, a Montreal-Paris collaboration that blends early and contemporary classical music from Europe, the Middle East, and India. Perseids, his duo with double bassist Jean Félix Mailloux, was presented at Sounds of Persia: Canada's New Music Masters from the National Center for the Arts in 2018, where Amiri was artistic director. His duo Moody Amiri, with violist Richard Moody, has been praised by CBC for its "tempting blend of Eastern and Western sensibilities." Amiri also occasionally joins fellow master improviser, jazz pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, for an evening of musical exploration and discovery.

Amir Amiri was awarded Artist of the Year 2003 by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as part of its Galaxie Rising Stars program. Amiri regularly performs and tours with a wide range of ensembles, showcasing a distinctive, earth-rooted style that cultivates a deep connection with his audience. His recent solo performances include concerts at the Vares Classics Festival (Bosnia, September 2021) and at Détours de Babel (France, October 2021). Also in 2021, he performed with the Amir Amiri Ensemble at the WOMEX Festival in Porto, Portugal. A tour of Colombia is planned for the near future.